Bengaluru Metro Fare Hike Ignites Political Firestorm Between Congress and BJP
The political landscape in Karnataka has been set ablaze over a recent fare hike for the Bengaluru Metro, with the ruling Congress and opposition BJP engaging in a fierce war of words. The controversy centers on a fare increase ranging from Rs 1 to Rs 5, which took effect on Monday, February 9, 2026, following an annual revision of 5 percent announced the previous week.
BMRCL Sources Deny Rollback Amid Political Pressure
Despite claims from BJP leaders that the Union government had intervened to halt the hike, sources within the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) have firmly stated that no reversal is in the works. An official clarified, "Till now, there is no communication on a rollback." This stance is backed by the Metro Railways (Operation & Maintenance) Act 2002, which mandates that fare adjustments determined by the Fare Fixation Committee (FFC) must be implemented.
Congress Accuses BJP of Hypocrisy and Political Games
The Congress party launched a scathing attack on BJP MP Tejasvi Surya, labeling his actions as "shameless hypocrisy." In posts on social media platform X, the Congress pointed out the inconsistency in the BJP's position: initially denying any central role in fare setting, then pleading with Delhi to pause the hike. "If they don't have the power to set the price, how do they suddenly have the power to pause it?" the party questioned, accusing BJP MPs of evading responsibility only to claim influence when public discontent rises.
Karnataka IT/BT Minister Priyank Kharge escalated the criticism, highlighting what he called the BJP's flawed logic. "If the metro line was extended by one meter, Modi was responsible, but if the metro fare is hiked by one rupee, the state government is responsible," he stated, accusing the BJP of indulging in a "politics of lies." Kharge argued that reports of the Centre withholding the hike prove that fare decisions ultimately rest with the central government.
BJP Counters with Outreach and Allegations Against State Government
In response, BJP leaders have taken their campaign directly to the public. Tejasvi Surya, wearing a printed t-shirt during his outreach with metro commuters, blamed the "financially hollow" state government for the fare increase. He emphasized that the Congress had previously requested the formation of the FFC in 2024 to revise fares upward, aiming to reduce the burden on state finances. "It sought an upward fare revision to reduce the burden on state finances. It even pushed for annual fare hikes. They cannot run away from this responsibility now," Surya asserted.
Surya also petitioned Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar, urging him to put the annual hike on hold and form a new FFC to rationalize fares. He called on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to "stop evading responsibility" and take the honest course by requesting a fresh FFC to address commuter grievances.
Key Points of Contention in the Metro Fare Dispute
- The fare hike ranges from Rs 1 to Rs 5, depending on trip duration, as part of a 5 percent annual revision.
- BMRCL sources confirm no official communication for a rollback, citing legal mandates under the Metro Railways Act.
- Congress accuses BJP of hypocrisy, while BJP blames the state government's financial management.
- Both parties are leveraging public sentiment, with outreach campaigns and social media battles intensifying the conflict.
As the political slugfest continues, commuters in Bengaluru are caught in the crossfire, facing increased travel costs amid unresolved debates over accountability and governance. The situation underscores the deep-seated tensions between state and central authorities in urban infrastructure management.
