Free for women, costlier for men: K'taka assembly LoP R. Ashoka on 15 percent bus fare hike in state
Bengaluru: The Karnataka government’s decision to implement a 15 percent hike in bus fares across all four State-run transport corporations has sparked protests from the BJP and dissatisfaction among commuters.
The move, effective on January 5, is expected to generate Rs 74.85 crore monthly and about Rs 784 crore annually.
The Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly R Ashoka led the protest against the government bus fare hike at the Kempegowda Bus Stand at Majestic on Friday. He was seen giving away roses and apologising to people.
ALSO READ: Karnataka cabinet approves formation of separate Dharwad Municipal Corporation
“There was a rise in petrol and diesel prices during our government as well, but we did not raise the bus fares. A 15 percent hike is too much; how will people pay? Private taxis are cheaper than KSRTC buses,” Ashoka told reporters.
"They've made bus travel free for women, but doubled it for men. Siddaramaiah is the worst CM in the history of Karnataka,” he remarked.
Later, the agitating leaders from the saffron party were taken under preventive custody.
ಬಸ್ ಪ್ರಯಾಣ ದರ ಏರಿಸಿದ ರಾಜ್ಯ @INCKarnataka ಸರ್ಕಾರದ ನಿಲುವನ್ನು ಖಂಡಿಸಿ ಕೆಂಪೇಗೌಡ ಬಸ್ ನಿಲ್ದಾಣದಲ್ಲಿ (ಮೆಜೆಸ್ಟಿಕ್) ಪ್ರಯಾಣಿಕರಿಗೆ ಹೂವು ನೀಡುವುದರ ಮೂಲಕ ಪ್ರತಿಭಟನೆ ನಡೆಸಲಾಯಿತು.
— R. Ashoka (@RAshokaBJP) January 3, 2025
ಈ ಸಂದರ್ಭದಲ್ಲಿ ವಿಧಾನ ಪರಿಷತ್ ವಿಪಕ್ಷ ನಾಯಕರಾದ ಶ್ರೀ @NswamyChalavadi , ಪರಿಷತ್ ಸದಸ್ಯರಾದ ಶ್ರೀ @nrkbjp , ಪದಾಧಿಕಾರಿಗಳು ಮತ್ತು… pic.twitter.com/40YixAZ2UH
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Kohli does not deserve place in Indian team, he didn't work hard to rectify mistakes: Irfan Pathan
Sydney, Jan 5: Lambasting Virat Kohli for neither playing domestic cricket nor working hard to iron out the technical flaws in his game, former pacer Irfan Pathan on Sunday questioned star batter's place in the side and called for an end to the superstar culture in the Indian team.
Kohli and Rohit Sharma were woefully out of form during the just-concluded Test series against Australia. The 1-3 defeat resulted in team losing out on qualifying for the World Test Championship final.
Kohli could manage only 190 runs in his nine innings in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, repeatedly offering edges to the slip cordon or keeper.
"We need to end superstar culture, we need team culture. You need to improve yourself and improve the Indian team. There were matches before this series, too, and they had an opportunity to play domestic cricket, but they didn't. We need to change that culture," Pathan told Star Sports.
The former all-rounder said even the great Sachin Tendulkar played Ranji Trophy even when it wasn't required of him only because he wanted to spend that much time -- four or five days -- on the pitch
"When was the last time Virat Kohli played domestic cricket? (the host points out that Kohli's last first-class appearance for Delhi was in 2012) It has been more than a decade."
Pathan went to the extent of saying that maybe Kohli's place should be given to a youngster, given that he has averaged less than 30 in first innings in the last five years.
"For the Indian team in 2024, in the first innings where you basically set up the match, Virat Kohli’s average is 15. And if you consider his average over the last five years, it's not even 30.
"Does the Indian team deserve its senior player? Instead, give a youngster a chance. Tell him to get ready. He will also give an average of 25–30. This is about the team, not the individuals."
Pathan also questioned if Kohli was even serious to improve.
"When we talk about Virat Kohli, he has done a lot for India. He has delivered many performances. But you are getting out from the same mistake again and again.
"You are not creating a gap between two mistakes. You are not trying to fix the technical mistake. Sunny sir is in the field. How long does it take to talk to Sunny Sir or someone?"
Australia beat India by six wickets in the fifth and final Test to regain the Border Gavaskar trophy.
Time to shift the spotlight! 🌟 #IrfanPathan calls for an end to the superstar culture, emphasizing the importance of building a strong team-first mentality in Indian cricket💬🇮🇳#AUSvINDOnStar #ToughestRivalry #WTC #WorldTestChampionship pic.twitter.com/YQ6TKJUXe4
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) January 5, 2025
