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.
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“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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Experience comes when you play bigger teams in bilateral series: Rashid Khan
Chennai (PTI): Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan called for more bilateral series against stronger cricketing nations after his team signed off from the T20 World Cup on a high, defeating Canada in their final group match here on Thursday.
Afghanistan played some exhilarating cricket, going down to South Africa in a gripping second Super Over after the scores were tied, a humdinger that provided one of the early thrills of the World Cup.
However, the spin-bowling stalwart said Afghanistan could make significant strides if they get regular opportunities to compete against stronger cricketing nations.
"Couple of areas to improve, with the batting, the middle order got a bit stuck against the big teams, and then with the bowling the death overs. That comes when you play the bigger teams in bilateral series," said Rashid after his team defeat Canada by 82 runs, with him returning excellent figures of 2 for 19.
The stalwart said the side had arrived well prepared for the tournament and produced some breathtaking cricket, but admitted the narrow defeat to South Africa proved costly and remained a painful setback.
"We were well-prepared (for the tournament), we played some unbelievable cricket. The game against South Africa, that really hurt everyone. We had to win one of those (first two) games and see how the tournament unfolded. We'll take some positive things from this World Cup and look forward," he said.
With head coach Jonathan Trott set to part ways with the team, Rashid described the departure as an "emotional" moment for the side.
"I think we had some wonderful times with him. Where we are now, he played a main role. It's emotional to see him leave us, but that's how life is. We wish him all the best and somewhere down the line we see him again."
Ibrahim Zadran, who was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 95 off 56 balls, said it was satisfying to finally register a substantial score after two below-par outings.
"I enjoyed it, didn't play better cricket in first two innings, which I expect. Wanted to back my skills, really enjoyed it. Pressure was there, it's there all the time. I want to put myself in pressure situations and enjoy it," said Zadran.
"Wanted to play positive cricket, rotate strike and punish bad ball, create partnerships and this is what I have done."
