Bengaluru, Nov 4 — Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said on Wednesday that if the Central government reduces petrol and diesel prices, the state government will also reduce bus fares accordingly.
The Chief Minister made these remarks on Wednesday while responding to questions from the media at Vidhana Soudha.
Responding to a question regarding the opposition parties' call for a statewide protest on Thursday against the hike in bus fares, he said, "The transport corporations are running at a loss. There was a situation when they did not even have sufficient funds to purchase diesel for the next 10 days to three weeks. The Government had to step in and provide the necessary financial assistance."
Moreover, the 'Shakti' scheme, which provides free bus travel for women, has placed an additional financial burden on the transport corporations. Consequently, fares may have been increased by Rs 2 or Rs 3 on certain routes, he stated.
"Why did the opposition parties remain silent when petrol and diesel prices were increased? Why did they not raise their voices when cooking gas prices went up? Why did they not protest against the increase in the prices of fertilisers, pesticides, steel, cement and medicines? Are they not concerned about the rising cost of agricultural inputs and the burden it places on farmers?" he asked.
"I am fully aware of the hardships faced by farmers during the ongoing drought in the state. We understand their difficulties and struggles. At the same time, the transport corporations must also remain financially viable. They must be allowed to recover from their financial difficulties," he stated.
"Let the opposition parties appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reduce the burden of cesses and taxes levied on petrol and diesel. If the Central government reduces fuel prices, the state government will take appropriate steps accordingly," he said, challenging the opposition parties.
Responding to questions from the media about reports that milk prices had increased by Rs 12 per litre in certain places, instead of the announced Rs 8, the Chief Minister clarified, "The variation in milk prices is due to differences in quality and fat content."
"All milk is not the same. Regular milk, milk from desi cows and buffalo milk are different varieties. Their fat content also varies. People need to understand these differences," he said.