Cut the drama - BJP MP Surya strongly protests against metro fare hike to CM

BJP MP Tejasvi Surya on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the Karnataka Chief Minister over the state government’s stance on public fare regulation, questioning the legal authority behind earlier decisions to revise prices of Namma Metro.

In a statement that quickly circulated on social media, Surya asked how the Chief Minister previously ordered a reduction or revision of fares if he now claims the government lacks the authority to fix or increase pricing. “Where did CM get authority to direct reduction or revision of fares last time? If he didn’t have authority, like he claims now, to fix or increase the price, where did he get authority to reduce or revise the price? The answer to your question lies there. Cut the drama,” Surya said.

MP Surya was refering CM Siddaramaiah's last year's post in X, where CM wrote, "The way Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has implemented the Bengaluru Metro fare rivision has led to anomalies, with fares more than doubling in certain sections. I have asked the MD of BMRCL to urgently address these issues and reduce fares where increases are abnormal. Commuters' interests must be safeguarded."

The remarks come amid an escalating political dispute over transport and pricing policy, with opposition leaders accusing the government of inconsistency and administrative opacity. The ruling side has maintained that fare decisions involve regulatory bodies and institutional processes rather than unilateral executive action.

Political observers say the exchange reflects a broader narrative battle over governance credibility ahead of upcoming civic and state-level contests. Transport unions and commuter groups have also entered the debate, demanding clarity on fare-setting mechanisms and financial sustainability.