Bengaluru, Feb 9 (NationPress) The Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, R. Ashoka, asserted on Monday that the Central government plays no part in the recently announced Bengaluru Metro ticket fare increase.

The Opposition leader further challenged Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to issue a letter to the Union government if he believes that the Centre is behind the fare hike, stating that the state should not accept any fare increases for the next two years.

During a press conference, veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Ashoka pointed out that the Congress-led government claims to hold an 87 percent stake in the Bengaluru Metro.

Nevertheless, the Karnataka government has now shifted blame to the Central government regarding the fare hikes.

Opposition leader Ashoka challenged the Karnataka administration, stating, "If the Central government had increased the Metro fares, the Chief Minister should formally write to them opposing any fare hikes for the next two years, rather than unjustly accusing the Central government."

He also referenced a February 2025 social media post by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, where he purportedly directed a reduction in Metro fares, questioning how the state had such authority if the Centre was to blame.

He alleged that the fare increase was a result of the Karnataka government's financial difficulties.

According to Ashoka, if Chief Minister Siddaramaiah claims that the Centre holds the authority to raise Metro fares, then the powers to appoint the Managing Director, issue tenders, and manage transfers should also be entrusted to the Central government.

He mentioned that he has spoken with Union Ministers about the fare hike, requesting an investigation, and noted that the Centre had previously intervened to stop fare increases for the welfare of Karnataka's residents.

He also accused the state government of neglect, asserting that no representative had attended any meetings called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He demanded transparency from the state government by releasing a white paper outlining the funds Karnataka has received through GST, as well as for sectors such as Railways, highways, energy, rural development, and agriculture, including funding during the previous UPA government.

Despite multiple requests, Ashoka stated no information has been disclosed.

He emphasized that the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) Managing Director is appointed by the state, and tenders worth billions are managed by the state government, with the Finance and Urban Development departments overseeing them.

"With such extensive powers, it is evident that the decision for the Metro fare hike was made by the state government. If the Central government had mandated the fare increase, it would have affected all Metro corporations nationwide," Ashoka argued.

He added that the Fare Fixation Committee (FFC), an independent entity composed of a retired judge, the State Chief Secretary, and a Central government representative, does not forward fare hike recommendations to the Central government.

Last year, this committee proposed a 100 percent fare hike and recommended a potential annual increase of five percent.

The committee's recommendations were submitted to BMRCL Managing Director J. Ravishankar.

Opposition leader Ashoka alleged that the official did not seek approval from the Central government before implementing the fare hike, indicating that the decision was made by the state administration.

He firmly reiterated that the Centre had no involvement in this matter.

He claimed that Karnataka's debt has soared beyond Rs 2 lakh crore and that thousands of ration cards have been cancelled in every Assembly constituency.

He accused the government of imposing GST on street vendors, stripping them of benefits, and warned that more welfare schemes may be curtailed in the future.

He also suggested that the Congress party is intimidated by Prime Minister Modi's strong leadership and his ties with the US.

"Instead of displaying posters in Karnataka, Congress leaders ought to put them up in Delhi," he remarked.

Opposition leader Ashoka criticized the current governance as chaotic, citing an ongoing power struggle for the Chief Minister's position.

He labeled the Congress high command as weak and out of touch with the situation.

"By granting Cabinet rank to various state boards and corporations, Rs 40 to 50 crore is being misappropriated annually," he claimed.

Additionally, he mentioned that payments under the Gruha Lakshmi scheme for two months and under the Anna Bhagya scheme for one month have been delayed while funds are being allocated for Congress party celebrations.

He demanded the immediate withdrawal of the Cabinet rank order.