BJP stages protest in Bengaluru against bus fare hike, demands rollback

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, Nov 5, 2026: The Opposition BJP on Thursday staged a protest at the Kempegowda (Majestic) Bus Station in Bengaluru, targeting the Congress government over the recent bus fare hike and demanding its immediate withdrawal.

BJP leaders, led by Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly R Ashoka, staged a demonstration carrying placards and raising slogans against the government headed by Chief Minister D K Shivakumar.

Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, Deputy Leader of Opposition Arvind Bellad, Bengaluru Central MP P C Mohan, several party legislators and other leaders took part in the protest.

A couple of BJP workers wore masks depicting Chief Minister Shivakumar and Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh and held begging bowls as part of the demonstration. Ashoka and other party leaders also distributed roses to commuters affected by the fare hike.

Ashoka demanded Shivakumar’s resignation, accusing him of failing to manage the transport department and run the government effectively.

On Wednesday, Transport Minister Suresh announced a hike in fares across the state’s four government-run transport corporations. The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) fares have been increased by an average of 23 per cent, while Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) fares have gone up by 33 to 35 per cent.

The BJP is organising similar protests in various parts of Karnataka, demanding the withdrawal of the fare hike.