Tejasvi Surya detained during protest against Metro fare hike

Bengaluru

Bengaluru South MP and BJP Yuva Morcha national president Tejasvi Surya was detained on Monday while staging a protest at the Jayanagar Metro station, demanding affordable public transport in the city.

Surya led the protest opposing the proposed hike in Namma Metro fares, alleging that the state government was attempting to burden commuters despite widespread opposition. He said the Centre had already intervened in the matter, following which the fare increase—ranging from Re 1 to Rs 5 depending on distance—had been put on hold.

“Because we are demanding affordable public transport and accountability, the government is ordering our arrest. This is shameful. Arresting me will not silence my voice,” Surya said, lashing out at the state government as he was detained by the police.

The protest also carried a political undertone, with Surya arriving at the metro station carrying an empty trunk. He said this was meant to symbolise what he described as the “empty promises” of the state government. The act was also a direct response to a recent remark by Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, who had allegedly described Surya as an “empty trunk” who was active only on social media.

Surya used the protest to counter the comment, accusing the government of deflecting criticism instead of addressing genuine public concerns. He reiterated that his agitation was aimed at safeguarding commuters’ interests and ensuring that public transport remains accessible and affordable in a city already grappling with rising living costs.

The police detained Surya and dispersed BJP Yuva Morcha workers who had gathered at the station, citing law and order concerns.