Bengaluru, Feb 9 (NationPress) A dispute over credit for halting the fare increase of the Bengaluru Metro has ignited between the Congress-led Karnataka government and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday.

The BJP has asserted that the fare hike was suspended due to the involvement of Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar.

In contrast, the Congress-led administration in Karnataka maintains that the decision originated from the state government.

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, addressing the ongoing debate regarding the proposed increase in Namma Metro fares, stated, "The Congress-led Karnataka government made the decision to suspend the fare increase. The letter from the Central government holds no significance."

"There is no political agenda involved. The Central government lacks the authority to issue orders or interfere in this issue. I have directed officials to reassess fares based on the methodology used by the Delhi Metro," he asserted.

"I expected a meeting in Delhi concerning the fare increase. I was waiting to observe the outcomes of that meeting and the political maneuvers that would follow. Politics has overshadowed reality in this scenario, which is why I chose to remain silent. The meeting in Delhi has now been postponed. Those celebrating a temporary victory should have convened a board meeting and issued directives today," he remarked.

In response to claims that the state government sought a fare increase, Shivakumar stated, "The Central government may have sent a letter requesting the fare hike be halted, but they lack the legal power to make such a demand. If they can indicate the law or act under which they wrote the letter, we will acknowledge it. If a new decision is necessary, a fresh fare fixation committee must be established. I aim to represent our citizens' interests."

"Drawing from my political experience and discussions with Metro corporations in other states, specialists, and Central government experts, it is evident that until a new committee is constituted, the Central government has no rights to make recommendations. Only a new committee can provide directives. It is not that those who sent the letter are oblivious; I do not consider them foolish. Local MPs may discuss this matter, but they too must manage all states. Some individuals are claiming credit based on the letter, but that is untenable. We did not request a fare increase. The previous committee's decision was enacted," he added.

When asked about assertions that specific individuals were responsible for halting the fare hike, the Deputy Chief Minister responded, "Anyone can take credit if they wish. Ultimately, what matters is that it benefits the populace. I am not engaged in a credit battle. My fight is to ensure the people gain from this. The burden must not be imposed on commuters or the Metro organization. I am not acting under anyone's pressure. Ultimately, both BMRCL and the citizens must thrive."

"We were neither consulted nor informed about the fare increase. No discussions have transpired recently. The decision to increase fares was made a year ago. On February 9, 2025, the fare revision committee directed a five percent increase to be enforced on February 9, 2026. The fare hike was executed accordingly. Those speaking now did not voice any objections then. The people of Bengaluru accepted it with grace," Shivakumar stated.

"We have now reached a decision at the state government and official level regarding the suspension of the fare increase. BMRCL has three primary criteria for fare revision -- OMR costs, variations in CPI, staffing costs, per-unit costs, and fuel expenses. Based on these metrics, the state government has instructed officials to recalculate fares once again. Until then, I have mandated that the fare increase be halted," he concluded.

"Some argue that our Metro fares are higher compared to other cities. For instance, in Delhi, security duties fall under the Central government and are managed by the CISF. Here, we handle security ourselves. Furthermore, we also incur GST. The state government has compensated Rs 1,064.32 crore for cash loss reimbursement and Rs 4,002.23 crore towards loan repayment to the Central government. In total, Rs 5,066.55 crore has been paid," Shivakumar explained.

When inquired about the duration of the fare increase suspension, he responded, "Everything has its stages. I cannot guarantee this will be resolved in one or two days. Just as other metros operate at a certain speed, our Metro will progress at a similar pace."

When asked why only Bengaluru is experiencing political play despite metros in various cities, Shivakumar remarked, "Here, there are merely cameras, voices, and microphones. Has anyone discussed this in Delhi, Mumbai, or Hyderabad? No one has. One MP is debating, and you in the media keep broadcasting his image," he quipped.

In response to BJP leader R. Ashoka's request for a letter to the Centre stating that the state government had no involvement in the fare increase, Shivakumar said, "He can express whatever he wishes before the media. If he tells me what he wants, I will respond accordingly."

When asked if he would advocate for the establishment of a new fare fixation committee, he replied, "For now, I will not engage in that confusion. Within the state government's authority, CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar will take whatever actions are feasible. This is our land. We are exploring ways to assist our commuters."

In response to whether the public could anticipate a five percent fare reduction, he stated, "I have directed that a new calculation be performed. In any organization, spending patterns change. Similarly, factors like fuel price increases and other cost variables come into play."

Regarding whether fare revision falls under the jurisdiction of the Central or state government, Shivakumar clarified, "It does not come under the authority of either. It falls under the fare revision committee. Previously, state government representatives were part of the committee; now they are not."

When queried if fares could be revised under the old committee, he added, "There is no authority to do so. Until a new committee is formed, neither the Centre, the state government, nor BMRCL possesses the authority."