Government-Strikers Standoff Continues

Hyderabad: The TSRTC JAC convenor E Ashwathama Reddy made sensational comments that there may be political crisis like that of 1994 if the same situation prevails in the State in future.

The TSRTC workers strike entered 13th day on Thursday and the government seems to be in no mood to take up discussions with the JAC leaders.

The RTC JAC organised Dhoom Dhaam at various bus depots in the State and resolved to intensify their strike. Ashwathama Reddy lashed out at Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao asking him whether he was bigger intellectual than NT Rama Rao.

KCR should know that the chief minister's post is not permanent for anyone. He claimed that two MLAs of the ruling party were supporting the strike and alleged that his phone was being tapped by the government.

If the RTC crisis is not resolved, then there will be situation like 1994 political crisis. The CM should not forget the Viceroy incident of the past, he said.

On the other hand, the TSRTC JAC co-convenor K Raji Reddy said that they were ready for discussion if the chief minister calls them for talks.

The JAC convenor demanded the ministers T Harish Rao and E Rajender to break their silence and speak on the RTC issues. He said, the JAC will not talk to the 'Bangaru Telangana batch' (referring to the leaders who joined TRS during the last five years and became ministers) and talk if the chief minister calls them.

Meanwhile, the support to the striking TSRTC workers is increasing every day as the several other organisations like Telangana State Taxi and Drivers Joint Action Committee, auto unions, advocates have pledged their support to bandh on October 19.

Bar Association Rangareddy District Court has decided to support the bandh and appealed all sections to extend their support. The JAC leaders were arrested at Ramnagar after they were trying to take up bike rally. Cases were booked against the leaders under Section 151 of the IPC.