DMK defends rail fare hike

CHENNAI: Key UPA ally DMK on Friday virtually defended the recent rail fare hike, asking what else could be the solution to provide infrastructure.

"The Tamil Nadu government can hike bus fares, cannot the Centre revise rail fares?," party chief M Karunanidhi asked.

He was responding to reporters' queries on TNCC president B S Gnanadesikan defending the rail fare increase announced on January 9, saying only that would allow the Railway Ministry implement modernisation efforts and Sixth Pay Commission recommendations for its staff among others, besides seeking alternatives if any.

"I say the same thing said by him," Karunanidhi said but added he had not condemned the revision of fares and that he had only opposed any hike that would affect the poor.

"I did not say it is right. I had said DMK would not support any hike that will affect the poor,"he said when asked whether he justified the hike affecting the middle class.

He said he agreed with Gnanadesikan's observation that rail fares are cheaper than bus fares in Tamil Nadu.

Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal had on Jan 9 announced an across-the-board hike in passenger rail fares with an aim to net around Rs 6,600 crore.

Asked if DMK would stage a protest against fuel price hike and rail fare increase, Karunanidhi said: "we issue statements and letters condemning them and demand for their rollback."

To a question on the Cauvery crisis, he said the Centre had the 'job' of verifying Karnataka's claim of not having sufficient water to release to Tamil Nadu.

"I request they do that and take action," he added.