Aam Aadmi Party Intensifies Protest Against Metro Fare Hike
Now it is being observed that India has become a kakistocracy where the government is under the control of the worst, least qualified, and most unscrupulous people. ~ Rakesh Raman
Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) staged a demonstration Friday against the increased fares for Delhi Metro rail commuters.
The protest – including the gherao of the Ministry of Urban Affairs in Delhi – was against Narendra Modi’s BJP government, which AAP believes is responsible for increased fares.
“The Metro fares have been increased by the Central BJP government while people of Delhi are suffering,” said AAP leader Gopal Rai.
Despite AAP’s opposition, the government had revised the Metro fares on Tuesday. The revised fares are: up to 2 km: Rs. 10, 2 to 5 km: Rs. 20, 5 to 12 km: Rs. 30, 12 to 21 km: Rs. 40, 21 to 32 km: Rs. 50 and for journeys beyond 32 km: Rs. 60.
[ Read: Metro Fare Hike: How Arvind Kejriwal Lost His Relevance in Delhi ]
Subsequently, Delhi BJP President Manoj Tiwari along with a delegation of party leaders met the Union Urban Development Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Wednesday and discussed the Metro fares issue with him.
They urged the Minister to review the new fares especially for the slabs of 5 to 12 km and 12 to 21 km apart from seeking relief for students and the senior citizens.
Although the government is not expected to lower the Metro fares, AAP has decided to continue its protest.
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The party said that during October 14 – 21, it will hold demonstrations in front of the residences of local BJP MPs (Members of Parliament) to seek their support for getting the Metro fares reduced in Delhi.
By Rakesh Raman, who is a government’s National award-winning journalist and social activist. He has formed an environment-protection group called Green Group in Delhi. He also runs a free school for deserving children under his NGO – RMN Foundation.
Photo courtesy: AAP
