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Key Points

BRS MLAs took a bus ride with regular passengers to witness firsthand the impact of the recent fare hike. They heard multiple complaints about the additional ₹500 monthly burden on low-income families. The party leaders accused the Congress government of systematically exploiting poor and middle-class citizens. They vowed to continue pressuring the administration until the fare increase is completely withdrawn.

Key Points: BRS MLAs Demand Rollback of Hyderabad RTC Bus Fare Hike

  • BRS MLAs personally experienced passenger anger during bus ride protest
  • Fare hike adds ₹500 monthly burden on low-income commuters
  • Congress accused of deliberate strategy to worsen RTC financial crisis
  • Student bus pass charges increased alongside general fare hike
  • KTR calls fare increase a "cruel conspiracy" against poor citizens
  • Government faces allegations of multiple anti-poor tax increases
3 min read

BRS demands immediate rollback of increased RTC bus fares

BRS MLAs ride bus with passengers, witness ₹500 monthly burden on poor families. Party accuses Congress government of anti-poor policies and financial exploitation.

"This fare hike is yet another proof that the Congress administration does not care about the common man - Sudheer Reddy"

Hyderabad, October 7

Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLAs D Sudheer Reddy, Kaleru Venkatesh, and Mutha Gopal on Tuesday demanded that the recently hiked RTC bus fares be rolled back immediately. To witness the impact of the fare hike first-hand, the MLAs boarded an RTC bus from Nampally Exhibition Grounds to the Telangana Legislative Assembly, travelling alongside regular passengers.

According to an official statement, many passengers expressed their discontent over the increased burden while traveling with MLAs.

"Several stated that the fare hike was costing them up to ₹500 extra per month -- an unsustainable amount for low-income families. Some even raised slogans against the Congress-led state government," read the party's statement.

Speaking to the media at the Assembly bus stop, the MLAs lambasted the Congress government, accusing it of being anti-poor. "This fare hike is yet another proof that the Congress administration does not care about the common man," Sudheer Reddy said. Kaleru Venkatesh and Mutha Gopal added that this move, along with earlier increases in vehicle taxes and liquor prices, reflects the government's continued assault on the pockets of ordinary citizens.

The MLAs also alleged that Chief Minister Revanth Reddy is consistently looking for avenues to impose financial burdens on people. "There seems to be a deliberate strategy to push RTC into a deeper financial crisis, using fare hikes as a tool," they claimed.

Particular concern was raised over increased charges on student bus passes. "First, they burdened students, now they've extended it to everyone else," Mutha Gopal said, questioning whether this so-called 'change' promised by the Congress only meant heavier financial pressure on the poor.

Eariler, BRS working president KT Rama Rao condemned the decision of the Telangana Chief Minister Revnath Reddy-led government to increase the city bus fare in Hyderabad by ₹10, calling it a "cruel conspiracy" to exploit poor and middle-class commuters.

The new fares, which came into effect on October 6, will add an extra burden of at least ₹500 per month on regular commuters.

KTR criticised the decision, stating that the increased fare comes at a time when the general public is already facing rising prices of essential commodities.

Speaking on behalf of the economically weaker sections of society, KTR raised a question to the Chief Minister, asking how the underprivileged and daily wage earners would adjust to the hike, which now poses an additional burden of Rs 500 per month.

The BRS leaders reiterated their party's commitment to fighting for the poor and said they would continue to mount pressure on the government until the fare hike is withdrawn.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I support the demand to roll back fare hike, I wish BRS had done more when they were in power to strengthen RTC financially. Both parties need to think about sustainable solutions rather than just political point scoring.
S
Sarah B
As someone who recently moved to Hyderabad, I'm shocked by this decision. Public transport should be affordable for all. ₹500 may not seem much to politicians but it's a week's groceries for many families.
A
Arjun K
Students are already struggling with education costs. Increasing bus pass charges shows complete disconnect from ground reality. Government should subsidize public transport, not make it expensive! 😠
K
Karthik V
At least MLAs are traveling with common people and hearing their problems directly. This is how democracy should work - leaders understanding public issues firsthand. Hope this pressure works and fares are reduced.
M
Michael C
The timing couldn't be worse with inflation already hitting hard. Many people have no alternative to RTC buses. This is literally taking food off people's plates to fill government coffers. Shameful!

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