Delhi govt misleading people on fare hike: BJP

NEW DELHI: The Delhi unit of Bharatiya Janata Party on Sunday said that the Arvind Kejriwal government is evading its responsibility on Metro fare hike and trying to mislead the people by playing dirty politics.

Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari said that the Delhi government has a 50 per cent stake in Delhi Metro and no fare hike is possible without the consent of the Kejriwal government.

The Transport minister and even the Chief Minister knew very well about the current fare hike and allowed it, Tiwari claimed.

He added that Kejriwal's tweet demanding public audit of Delhi Metro is a big joke on people as the Delhi government already has access to Metro accounts, being a 50 per cent stakeholder.

Tiwari further claimed that earlier this year, with prior consent from the Chief Minister, the Delhi government's Chief Secretary, Finance Secretary and Transport Commissioner had joined DMRC'S Fare Revision Committee meeting and approved a 50 per cent hike in fares to be implemented in 2 phases, i.e. in May and October.

Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition in Delhi Assembly Vijender Gupta said that the Delhi government has continuously played an irresponsible role in public transport matter, be it in releasing permissions and funds for Metro or for improving DTC services.

"No government leaves such decisions on bureaucracy and in this case too, the Kejriwal government gave consent to fare rise. But its bureaucrats ensured that implementation is postponed beyond the civic elections," added Gupta.