From Our Special Correspondent

Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Aug 24: Karnataka is set for a bus fare hike soon. But a decision on the quantum and the date are to be decided, indicated Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in Bengaluru on Saturday.

Speaking to media persons, he said bus fares will be increased like the water tariff, which has not been increased for several years and the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWWSB) was finding it difficult to manage.

Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, who is heading the Bengaluru Development and Irrigation Departments, had already made it clear that a hike in water tariff is inevitable. The Congress government has already increased the prices of Nandini milk as well as that of petrol and diesel in the State.

The chief minister said the State Government is yet to finalise the increases of water tariff by BWSSB and bus fares, which are being discussed by the persons concerned.

Asked if the government and Raj Bhavan is heading for a confrontation with Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot returning bills passed by the State Legislature, he said the Governor has returned six bills. “We will discuss the issue in the State Cabinet to decide the future course of action as the bills have been already passed by both houses of State legislature,” he said.

The chief minister indicated that he along with the Deputy Chief Minister and some other ministers, including Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara have briefed the Congress Central leaders on the situation arising out of the Governor’s granting permission for prosecution in the MUDA site allotment issue. The decision of the State Cabinet on the issue has also been explained, he said.

He mentioned that the party high command has affirmed its full support to the State Government.

To a question on whether the proposal to meet and submit a memorandum to President Draupadi Murmu against Governor Gehlot was discussed with the high command, he said: “We have discussed all issues. There is scope for all
possibilities.”

Answering questions on the confusion in the KPSC examinations, he said there was no confusion. The date of examination scheduled to be held on Krishna Janmashtami Day has been postponed, he added.