Bengaluru Metro Fare Hike Sparks Congress-BJP Blame Game; Commuters Bear the Brunt

• Bengaluru Metro fares increased by 5% from February 9, triggering political controversy.
• Congress and BJP trade charges over responsibility for the hike, ahead of civic polls.
• Deputy CM DK Shivakumar denies state government approval, stating the decision rests with the Centre.
• BJP leaders accuse the state government of failing to intervene and allowing a "steep and flawed" hike.
• Commuters face rising travel expenses in India’s costliest Metro network, with calls for fare rationalization.