• Source:JND
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A recent exchange on X (formerly Twitter) between KT Rama Rao (KTR), the working president of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), and a software engineer has drawn significant attention, highlighting the sensitivity of everyday issues like transport fare hikes.

It all began when a software engineer reached out to KTR regarding a sudden increase in Metro Express bus fares from Patancheru to DLF in Telangana. The engineer, who identified himself as a Congress voter, expressed his concerns over the impact of the fare hike on daily commuters.

In his post, the engineer tagged KTR directly, saying, “Dear KTR garu, Metro Express bus fare from Patancheru to DLF has increased from Rs 30 to Rs 45 – a steep Rs 15 hike. This is burdening daily commuters. Kindly raise this issue in the Assembly and help the public. I too voted for Congress for better development, but this is too much.”

The engineer’s message reflected frustration with the fare hike, with a plea for KTR to address the issue in the state Assembly.

KTR responded to the engineer’s tweet, but his reply sparked mixed reactions. He wrote, “I understand your concern, but if you are regretting your vote for Congress, that’s something you need to address with your party. Fare hikes are often the result of decisions made at higher levels. I’m committed to ensuring that issues affecting the public are raised, but please remember that I am not in the ruling government.”

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Internet Reacts

KTR’s response quickly ignited a flurry of comments. While some people defended his stance, others criticized his tone.

One user replied, “KTR, when a common man approaches you with a concern, it’s not about pushing blame elsewhere. It’s about understanding the issue and offering support. If you want to earn back public trust, you need to show empathy.”

Another commenter wrote, “Instead of just passing on blame, why not pledge that the transport fares imposed by the Congress government will be rolled back? That would show real leadership.”

Yet another person commented, “The tone here feels off. You missed an opportunity to calm his frustration. Instead of arguing about his vote, you could’ve just addressed the issue he raised. Leaders should be problem-solvers, not finger-pointers.”

However, there were also some who supported KTR’s response. One individual said, “Wow! What a reply, KTR! You didn’t let him off easy.”

Another comment simply read, “What an answer. Straight to the point.”

After KTR’s reply, the engineer returned to clarify his position. He responded, “Sir, I raised the concern because public issues need to be addressed, regardless of who someone voted for. As a responsible leader, your support in highlighting this fare hike to the government would really help daily commuters. I am deeply regretting my vote today.”

In response to the engineer’s concerns, the Telangana State Transport Department issued a clarification. They explained, “On October 6, 2025, an Infrastructure Cess was imposed on bus tickets within the Greater Hyderabad area, which was both timely and necessary. Since then, there has been no hike in bus fares for services operating across Telangana."

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The department further stated, “Bus fare hikes are directly tied to the cost of diesel. Whenever fuel prices rise, TSRTC submits a proposal for fare increases to the government. However, in most cases, these hikes are rejected to prevent additional hardships for commuters.”

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