Transport strike continues in Telangana, CM says will not surrender
What's the story
The stand-off between the employees of Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) and the state government, run by Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, isn't nearing an end.
The TRS Chief is firm that he will not yield to "goondaism" and has refused to take back nearly 50,000 employees who were fired for protesting against the government.
In this battle, the citizens are evidently suffering.
Strike
Employees want a merger with government, KCR said, "No"
The striking employees of RTC have a list of 26 demands, including the body's merger with the state government.
KCR fumed at them for going on a strike during the festive season, and in an unprecedented step, fired them.
The employees continued with the protest forcing the state government to extend Dusshera holidays in state schools till October 20.
Suicide
Today, a driver died after he set himself on fire
Distressed due to the loss of a job, a driver named Srinivas Reddy alighted himself at his residence in Khammam district on Saturday. He was rushed to Apollo DRDO Hospital in Hyderabad, where he succumbed to injuries earlier today.
Despite the obvious gloom taking over employees, KCR directed Director General of Police, Mahender Reddy, to "arrest" anyone who disrupts transport services.
Statement
We are not shaken or afraid: KCR
Confirming that employees will remain "jobless", KCR said, "We are not shaken or afraid. We won't tolerate any attempt to stop buses or organize protests at bus depots."
He asked officials to ensure 100% services restart in the next three days. For this, 5,200 buses will be run by new staff and 3,100 by temporary drivers.
His government assured normalcy will return by October 21.
Quote
Only those who weren't on strike will get salaries: KCR
Further, KCR instructed that RTC employees will get salaries, but there was a rider. "Officials have been ordered to pay salaries for the month of September in respect of those who are not on strike," he reportedly said.
Political turns
Naturally, BJP and Congress slammed KCR
Obviously, the series of events took a political turn with Congress and BJP charging at TRS.
Uttam Kumar Reddy, a leader of Telangana Congress, said, "KCR wants workers and families to starve because they did not obey his orders. Such a dictatorial approach is not acceptable in a democracy."
While KCR remained firm, the employees aren't also flinching and planned several protests.
Protest
A number of protests have been planned
On Sunday, a vanta varpu (cooking on the roadside) protest has been planned. And on Monday, trade unions will protest at Hyderbabad's Dharna Chowk. Similar protests will be held at bus depots.
Amid the crisis, RTC leader Ashwathama Reddy asked employees to not take any extreme steps.
Meanwhile, Transport Minister P Ajay Kumar said KCR never promised a merger.
Suicide prevention
If you are feeling suicidal, seek help
In case you need help or know someone who needs it, you can reach out to AASRA for suicide prevention counseling. Their number is 022 2754 6669. You can also contact the Hyderabad-based Roshni NGO at +914066202000 or COOJ at +918322252525.
Sneha India Foundation which works 24X7 can be contacted at +914424640050.
Vandrevala Foundation has trained counselors and their number is 18602662345.