Hyderabad: TSRTC JAC leaders Ashwathama Reddy, Raja Reddy, and others today called on State BJP president K Laxman at the latter’s office and sought support for their strike which entered 22nd day.
Speaking on the occasion, Laxman accused Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao of conspiring to “loot” RTC assets worth thousands of crores of rupees. “We extend support to the RTC strike and the government should come down to hold talks”, he said. He also flayed KCR for threatening the striking employees instead of holding talks. “We have already informed the Centre and our national leaders of the RTC crew strike and the serious situation”, Laxman said. Asking the JAC leaders to continue protests in a democratic manner without succumbing to the threats of the State government, Laxman said they will take up their strike issue to the national level.
JAC convener Ashwatthama Reddy charged Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao with trying to disturb the strike by threats. He also informed that “Sakala Janula Samarabheri” will be held at Saroornagar Stadium on October 30. “We will not succumb to government’s threats despite the Chief Minister insulting the RTC workers”, he said. Reiterating that they would intensify the strike, he clarified that Huzurnagar Assembly by-election has nothing to do with the RTC strike. Trying to justify the actions of the unions, Reddy alleged that the Chief Minister’s statements were “hurting the sentiments” of the RTC workers. Asking as to why the government was not holding talks once again, he said the strike would continue till their demands were met. He said the JAC would stage a protest on Saturday involving the children of RTC workers. On Monday, they will lay a siege to all district collectorates, he added.
SOURCE: NSS
