Bengaluru: H Kusuma, wife of late IAS officer D K Ravi, joined the Congress on Sunday. She and her father, who was with the JD(S), were formally inducted into the party by Congress state chief D K Shivakumar.

Former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and former deputy chief minister Dr G Parameshwara were present on the occasion, party sources said.

Kusuma's entry into the party comes amid speculations that Congress would field her from Rajarajeshwari Nagar (R R Nagar) in the city, which goes for the bypolls on November 3.

The R R Nagar seat fell vacant following the disqualification of N Munirathna, who was then the party legislator, under the anti-defection law.

He is now with the BJP and is looking for a ticket from the saffron party for the bypolls.

R R Nagar, along with the Sira assembly constituency in Tumakuru, will go for the bypolls on November 3.

Shivakumar told reporters that the list of probable candidates would be sent to the high command, which would take the final call.

He urged party workers to work hard to ensure the victory of the party in the election.

Kusuma's father Hanumantharayappa had contested from R R Nagar on a JD(S) ticket earlier and had lost.

The BJP has not yet announced its candidates, but would most likely field Munirathna from R R Nagar.

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Bengaluru: In a move that will add to the travel expenses of commuters, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will raise toll fees at several key toll plazas from April 1, 2025. The increased charges will apply to the Sadahalli (KIA Road, NH 7), Hulikunte, and Nalluru Devanahalli (STRR, NH 648) toll plazas.

This annual toll hike is linked to the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) and will affect all types of travellers, including those using personal vehicles, cabs, and public transport (Vayu Vajra bus services), as reported by Deccan Herald on Thursday.

For light motor vehicles such as cars, jeeps, and vans passing through Sadahalli, the new toll charges will be Rs 120 for a single journey, and Rs 180 for a return journey within the same day. A monthly pass for 50 single journeys will cost Rs 3,970. The existing rates are Rs 115, Rs 170, and Rs 3,835, respectively.

For light commercial vehicles and mini buses, the new rates will be Rs 185 for a single journey, Rs 275 for a return journey, and Rs 6,100 for a monthly pass. The existing charges are Rs 175, Rs 265, and Rs 5,890.

Meanwhile, trucks and buses will have to pay Rs 370 for a single journey, Rs 550 for a return journey within a day, and Rs 12,265 for a monthly pass, added DH. The existing rates are Rs 355, Rs 535 and Rs 11,845.

Cars and other light motor vehicles using the 42-km Dobbspet-Doddaballapur stretch of the STRR will pay Rs 110 for a single journey, Rs 165 for a return journey, and Rs 3,615 for monthly pass at the Hulikunte toll plaza. The existing rates are Rs 105, Rs 155, and Rs 3,490.