Congress protests in support of TSRTC stir

Patancheru: The district Congress party activists in large numbers on Monday staged a demonstration at the tahsildar's office here in support of the striking RTC employees, while calling upon the government to concede their 'just' demands. The protestors raised 'KCR down down' slogans and later, submitted a memorandum to the tahsildar under the leadership of Jinnaram MPP Ravinder Goud.

Earlier, the activists took out rallies from Jeedimetla, Sangareddy, Uppal and BHEL RTC depots to the MRO's office, led by Shekhar Nirudu Seenu, Sridhar Reddy Venkatesh, Yadagiri Karunakar and Ambadas respectively, and staged dharna there. They submitted a memorandum to the MRO.

Speaking to the protestors, the RTC leaders called for protection of the corporation's assets, merge it with the government, purchase of new buses, release of subsidies and payment of dues, scrapping of private buses and new appointments to replace the retired staff.

Addressing the protestors, Goud pledged support to the RTC staff. He recalled the RTC employees' crucial role in the separate Telangana agitation while accusing the government of being vengeful towards the strikers. Goud accused the police of harassing the RTC employees by registering false cases. He alleged that the administration has been negligent despite the RTC employees serving a notice to go on strike 30 days back.

The Congress leader asserted that the employees were forced to go on strike as the government initiated talks by officials and not the minister concerned. He warned of serious consequences if no solution was found to the strike.