Bengaluru, Feb 9 (NationPress) The National President of BJP Yuva Morcha and MP for Bengaluru South, Tejasvi Surya, led a demonstration at a Metro station in Bengaluru on Monday to protest against the recent fare increase. In reaction to Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar labeling him an “empty trunk”, Surya carried an empty trunk during the protest, showcasing a poster that read, “The Congress-led government is an empty trunk government.”

The poster featured images of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar.

This protest took place at the R.V. Road Metro Station, accompanied by MLA C.K. Rammurthy from Jayanagara Assembly and BJP party activists. The police intervened, resulting in disputes between them and Surya.

During his detention, Surya challenged the legality, asserting that it violated his rights as a Member of Parliament.

He informed the police that they needed to notify the Speaker of the Lok Sabha regarding his arrest. Although he intended to use the Metro, the police denied him access and took him into custody.

“I wish to ask the police department: their notice indicated I should not conduct a protest or dharna. I am not engaging in any such activities. I am merely traveling with an empty trunk by Metro. The stipulations of this notice do not pertain to me. Preventive arrest is unwarranted, and I should be allowed to travel,” Surya stated.

Furthermore, he held the state government accountable for the police's actions. “I want to question the Chief Minister, the Deputy Chief Minister, and the government. I have protested in West Bengal, undeterred by the Trinamool Congress goons and their bombs. Now, they attempt to intimidate me with police notices. We are not cowards who will be intimidated by such threats. This movement will persist,” he asserted.

The police maintained that Surya was carrying a trunk with an anti-Congress government poster, stating that, per a High Court ruling, protests are prohibited in Bengaluru except at Freedom Park.

BJP MLA C.K. Rammurthy mentioned that MPs Tejasvi Surya and P.C. Mohan had discussed the fare issue with the Union Minister, and the matter had been paused. “Our goal is to alter the Fare Fixation Committee and submit a new proposal. Instead, the state government is proceeding with the fare hike,” he commented.

Rammurthy addressed Deputy CM Shivakumar’s statement, asserting that the claim of Surya being an “empty trunk” is unfounded. “In this context, we are protesting with an empty trunk. Nationwide, Metro fares have not increased. In Bengaluru, however, fares have surged by up to 80%. The state government is accountable. If the fare hike occurred nationwide, the Centre could bear the blame,” he explained.

Moreover, he noted that the fare increase has only been enforced in Bengaluru, placing the burden on commuters. “Passengers, primarily from the middle class and students, are suffering. Fares have risen by up to Rs 50, compelling individuals to spend nearly Rs 300 daily for Metro travel,” Rammurthy added.

It is noteworthy that on Saturday, Tejasvi Surya announced that after discussions with Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, the proposed fare hike for Bengaluru Metro has been temporarily suspended. He indicated that he had sought the Union Minister’s prompt intervention regarding the fare increase set to take effect on February 9.