India, Feb. 10 -- Following the announcement of a fare hike by Bengaluru's Namma Metro, with increases ranging between 40% and 90% depending on the route, commuters have voiced their frustration over the rising cost of public transport in the city. The move has triggered a political slugfest between the ruling Congress and the opposition BJP, both blaming each other for the hike.

While BJP leaders criticized the Congress-led Karnataka government for burdening citizens with higher fares, the Congress hit back, accusing BJP leaders of failing to ensure proper tax devolution to the state.

BJP MP from Bengaluru South, Tejasvi Surya, warned that the fare hike could lead to more congestion on the city's already jam-packed roads, as commuters ...