Cong, CITU, ABVP seek rollback of Himachal bus fare hike

Opposition Congress, Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) and RSS-affiliated Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) on Tuesday demanded immediate rollback of 25 per cent hike in bus fares in Himachal Pradesh.

While Congress and CITU held separate demonstrations, ABVP issued a press statement in support of ir demand related to bus fares.

Himachal Pradesh government on Monday decided to increase bus fare by 25 per cent. It also decided to hike minimum bus fare for first three kilometres from Rs 5 to Rs 7 in view of fund crunch due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Himachal Pradesh Congress president Kuldeep Singh Rathore said Jai Ram Thakur-led BJP government hiked bus fares by 50 per cent since it came to power in December, 2017.

Demanding immediate rollback of Monday's hike of 25 per cent, Rathore threatened to hold dharna at all district headquarters on July 23. If hiked fare is t withdrawn, a public agitation will be launched in state, he added.

CITU state president Vijendra Mehra and its general secretary Prem Gautam flayed BJP government for putting extra burden on public during "corona phase".

Uttarakhand ABVP secretary Rahul Rana said, "If hike in fare is t taken back, ABVP will oppose it by holding protests in state".