Terming it “anti-people”, the Opposition BJP has criticised the decision of the Delhi Government to increase DTC and Blueline fares, claiming that it will put more burden on the people who are already suffering because of price rise.
Delhi BJP president O. P. Kohli said the lower class and middle class would be the worst hit by the increase in bus fares as people with limited income travel by DTC buses.
Prof. Kohli said increasing fares on the ground that DTC had suffered losses was not a reasonable justification. “The reason for the losses should be found out and efforts made to control it by efficient functioning of the management and administration. The decision to increase fares instead of making the DTC efficient is an anti-people step.’’
Leader of Opposition in Delhi Assembly V. K. Malhotra also criticised the hike calling it a “double whammy” for the poor of the city. “In an environment of unprecedented inflation when people belonging to the weaker sections of society are struggling to make ends meet, this increase in bus fares has hit them where it hurts the most,” he said.
Prof. Malhotra said the recent spate of purchases of high-end luxury buses had only exacerbated the situation, pushing the utility even more into the red.
“The Delhi Government has repeatedly failed to stem these losses which are due to systemic malfunctions and instead of improving its managerial and maintenance practices it is resorting to taxing the commuter, which is unfair and unprecedented,’’ he said, calling for a roll back of the hike.
Prof. Malhotra warned that the BJP would otherwise be forced to join the masses in opposing this move on the streets.
