Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Wednesday defended the bus fare hike, citing rising diesel and petrol prices and mounting losses incurred by state-run transport corporations.
He also challenged the opposition BJP to ask Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reduce fuel prices instead of protesting against the state government's decision.
He said the transport corporations had incurred heavy losses and were even facing difficulties procuring diesel.
Karnataka Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh announced fare hikes for the four state-run transport corporations, with KSRTC fares rising by an average of 23 per cent and those of BMTC in Bengaluru by 33-35 per cent.
The revised fares will come into effect from midnight on Wednesday.
"They (opposition) will do it (protest). Ten days ago, they (corporations) did not have money to purchase diesel. The government had to provide funds. We have given it free of cost, as they were incurring huge losses," Shivakumar said in response to a question about reports that the opposition was planning statewide protests against the fare hike.
Speaking to reporters here, he said the fare revision appeared to translate into an increase of Rs 2 to Rs 3 at different stages.
"Diesel prices have gone up. Why did they (opposition) not speak when diesel and petrol prices increased? Why did they not speak when gas prices went up?" he asked, taking a swipe at the BJP.
Emphasising the need to ensure the financial viability of the transport corporations, Shivakumar said the government wanted to allow them to function sustainably.
"Let them (the Centre) reduce petrol and diesel prices, and we will reduce the bus fares accordingly. There is no problem. All of you should tell Modi to reduce the cess collected on petrol and diesel. Let those prices come down, and we can cut prices accordingly," he said.
Hitting out at opposition leaders, including Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje, for protesting against the recent milk price hike, Shivakumar referred to the difficulties faced by farmers, particularly milk producers, during the drought. He said he was aware of their hardships and wanted to ensure they could sustain their livelihoods.
"Why did they (opposition) not speak when the prices of iron and cement went up? Why did they not question the increase in the prices of medicines? Medicines were brought at lower prices, and they were being sold at higher rates. Why did they not speak about that?" he asked.
He said the milk price hike was intended to support milk-producing farmers affected by the drought.
The Karnataka Cabinet last week decided to increase the price of Nandini milk by Rs 8 per litre, of which Rs 7 would go to farmers and Re 1 to the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF). The revised prices came into effect on November 1.
Subsequently, KMF increased the price of curd by Rs 14 per litre and that of certain varieties of special and toned milk by up to Rs 12.
Responding to a question on why the prices of some milk varieties had increased by up to Rs 12 per litre despite the announced hike of Rs 8, Shivakumar said the difference was due to variations in fat content and product categories.
"All that depends on the fat content. Cow's milk, buffalo milk and regular milk are different. People should understand this. Regular milk, native cow's milk and buffalo milk are different categories," he said.