'Hike in bus fare is not fair'

Mangalore, September 14: The September 15 hike in bus fares will not be the last if one reads the intent of Canara Bus Operators Association (CBOA) members.

''The hike of 4 paise per km is measly when you compare the cost of operation per km," said CBOA President Rajavarma Ballal.

CBOA will approach the high court soon to direct state government to expedite the process of issuing a new government notification regarding the fare hike in a scientific manner. ''We want the government to issue a notification which gives a level playing field for both state run and private bus operators. When the bus fares for KSRTC are hiked, it should allow us also to hike bus fares," said Ballal.

''The KSRTC said they could not even wait for a day after the diesel hike, lest they would run into losses. It is two months since we have submitted the memorandum to the transport minister. Who will make good of our losses?" he questioned.

Thoroughly unhappy with RTA fare rates, Ballal said the existing notification (with the RTA) does not allow the hike more than a certain percentage. The CBOA demanded 15% across the board hike from stage I to the last stage.

''We have demanded the government to give us rates which they have given to the KSRTC, though the state-owned Bus Corporation is subsidized heavily by the government, admitting their overheads were higher.

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No rift, no rebel: Siddaramaiah–DKS stage a dramatic show of unity after high command push

News Network

November 29,2025

New Delhi: Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah and deputy CM DK Shivakumar on Saturday put up a dramatic display of unity at a closely watched joint press briefing, firmly dismissing weeks of speculation about a power-sharing tussle within the Congress. With the high command nudging both leaders to sit together and settle the dust, the meeting became a political spectacle, ending with the duo declaring that there was “no confusion, no differences.”

Calling the reports of a rift “manufactured confusion,” Siddaramaiah said the talks had gone smoothly, even joking about their breakfast. “Breakfast was very good. All three of us enjoyed it,” he said. “We want to end this confusion once and for all. For local elections and for 2028, our mission is clear — Congress must return to power. There is no difference between me and DKS, not now, not before.”

He blamed the media for fuelling rumours and reiterated absolute adherence to the party leadership. “From tomorrow, let there be no confusion. What the high command says, we will follow.”

Siddaramaiah also assured that the Assembly session starting December 8 would run smoothly and vowed that Congress would take on the BJP and JD(S) “together.”

Shivakumar echoed the chief minister word for word, stressing loyalty and discipline. “People have given us a massive mandate. It is our duty to deliver,” he said. “This government was formed under Siddaramaiah’s leadership. We both have complete trust in the high command. If they tell me to wait, I will wait.”

He added that the two leaders had discussed strategy for the 2028 Assembly elections. “Whatever the CM says, I agree. We are loyal soldiers of the party. The party may be facing challenges nationally, but we will keep it strong in Karnataka.”

Shivakumar also said Siddaramaiah would soon visit his home for lunch or dinner — another symbolic gesture meant to underline their unity.

Both leaders later posted on social media describing the breakfast meeting as “productive” and focused on “Karnataka’s priorities.”

The BJP, however, rejected the show of camaraderie as “pure bunkum,” accusing Congress of trying to paper over an internal power struggle. But Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar insisted their united front would continue — and that there was “no confusion” within the state leadership.

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