Mysuru: Protests against the reported Karnataka government bus fare hike disrupted traffic in Mysuru on Thursday, as farmer organisations and other groups staged demonstrations at two locations, demanding the withdrawal of the increase.
Leaders and members of the Karnataka State Sugarcane Growers’ Association and the Karnataka State Farmers’ Association gathered outside the rural bus stand and raised slogans against the government. Some protesters held coconut shells to express their opposition to the fare hike and lay on the main road, blocking traffic and causing congestion.
A confrontation reportedly took place when police personnel attempted to clear the protesters and restore traffic movement. The duration of the blockade and the extent of the disruption were not specified.
Farmer organisations criticise government
Hallikerehundi Bhagyaraj, state unit president of the Karnataka State Sugarcane Growers’ Association, accused the Congress government of placing an additional financial burden on ordinary people despite coming to power with promises centred on its five guarantee schemes.
He questioned the government’s approach to managing the financial pressure on state transport services and argued that passengers should not be made to bear the cost through higher fares.
Bhagyaraj claimed that the transport department was facing losses of around ₹24,000 crore. He also criticised elected representatives for increasing their salaries, arguing that they should instead contribute towards meeting the expenses of the guarantee schemes.
These allegations were made by the protest organisers. The report did not include a response from the state government or transport department.
The farmer leaders appealed to residents to oppose the reported fare increase through democratic protests. Bhagyaraj also urged people not to pay the additional fare and referred to tax refusal as a possible form of protest. However, no details were provided about any formal decision by the organisations to launch such an action.
Karnataka Sena Pade stages separate protest
Members of the Karnataka Sena Pade held another demonstration outside the city bus stand, demanding the immediate withdrawal of the reported fare hike.
The protesters alleged that the government had already increased milk prices and that the bus fare revision would add to the financial difficulties of households. They described the decision as an additional burden on ordinary commuters.
The organisation warned that it would intensify its agitation if the government did not withdraw the increase.
The protesters also raised concerns about the financial position of state transport corporations. They referred to losses and rising fuel expenses, while arguing that the free-travel scheme had added pressure to the corporations’ finances.
However, the claims made during the demonstration were not accompanied by audited financial figures or an official statement from the transport corporations.
Fare revision details awaited
The demonstrations in Mysuru reflect growing opposition among sections of the public and various organisations to the reported increase in public transport fares.
For daily commuters, any fare revision can affect household expenses, particularly for people who depend on buses for work, education and other routine travel. At the same time, the financial condition of state transport corporations and the cost of operating public services remain important issues in the debate.
The report did not specify the revised fare structure, the date from which the increase would take effect or whether the government was considering a review.
The protesters said they would continue their agitation until the fare increase was withdrawn. No official response from the Karnataka government, transport department or state transport corporations was available in the supplied report.