K. Chandrashekar Rao, the Chief Minister of Telangana, on the 24th of October, conducted a press conference after winning the Huzurnagar by election.
During the press conference, KCR spoke about the ongoing Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) strike and deemed it “illogical, illegal and nonsense.”
Mr. Rao addressed the media and said, “I am sorry, no one can save the TSRTC. It’s a closed chapter. Nothing is in my hands.” He also refused to merge the TSRTC with the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) Government, which was a major demand of the TSRTC staff.
KCR said in the next 5 days, the TRS Government would permit private bus operators to run buses as per the provisions of the Central Motor Vehicle Act.
KCR, angry with the Joint Action Committee (JAC) union leaders, criticised their decision of going on an indefinite strike and said a sensible person would think twice before calling for a strike.
KCR was also questioned about him and his Government deeming the TSRTC staff as villains, although the employees participated in the agitation to get Andhra Pradesh bifurcated into Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. KCR said, “Yes they participated in the agitation, so what? If someone in the house steals something, don’t we take action against them?”
Clearing another rumour about the TRS Government not calling the workers for a talk, KCR said, “Who is that idiot who says that the Government did not invite them for talks?” KCR claimed the Government did everything possible to resolve the matter and even constituted a committee to review the employees’ demands, but the employees wanted a merger of the State Government and the TSRTC, which is not practical.
KCR further said, “The major problem with the employees is that they are not ready to work hard and save the Corporation from the crisis.”
KCR highlighted the fact the State Government gave Rs. 4,550 crores to TSRTC in the past four years. He also stated the Indian National Congress (INC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) never merged the RTC with the Government of any state where the parties ruled.
KCR concluded by suggesting the TSRTC employees submit fresh applications if they wish to rejoin their duties.
KCR organised the press conference to thank the people of Telangana and Huzurnagar for supporting the TRS in the by election.
The conference, which began at 4:00 P.M., on the 24th of October, continued till 6:30 P.M.
Stay tuned for further updates.