OU students to hold public meet on Oct 25

Hyderabad: The Osmania University students unions would hold public meeting in support of the striking TSRTC workers at University premises on October 25.

A poster regarding the 'Chalo Osmania' public meeting was released by the RTC JAC and political party leaders during the protest meeting of the workers at Jubilee Bus Station (JBS) on Tuesday. The TSRTC strike entered 18th day on Tuesday as the workers took up 'Dhoom Dhaam', 'Aata Paata' at protest meeting at JBS.

The JAC leaders along with the opposition party leaders criticised the government for not inviting the workers for talks. TJS chief M Kodandaram read out the orders of the High Court and said that the Court had found out the arguments by the government were illegal.

The court has said that even if the talks have failed earlier, government should continue talks, said Kodandaram. "We wanted the government to solve our demands and these demands will not burden the RTC.

We asked for new buses, training to the staff, better service conditions all these are needed and are mentioned in the Act. As per Constitution, there is responsibility on government to safeguard rights of the workers since the government is formed constitutionally," said Kodandaram, adding the court had asked the government to take up discussions since the Court cannot ask the government to accept the demands.

He suggested the RTC JAC to change the dates of 'Rasta Roko' and 'Deeksha' in wake of Diwali festival. RTC JAC convenor E Ashwathama Reddy alleged that the relatives of Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao had taken 46 petrol bunks in RTC. He also alleged that eight bunks were given without any bank guarantee.

Congress leader Madhu Yaskhi Goud said that the RTC strike was death knell for CM KCR's political career. "When there was Congress government, KCR told us not to mess with RTC. Why he is messing up with the RTC now," asked Goud adding police should file criminal cases against the CM for suicides of workers.

TDP leader K Dayakar Reddy said the CM was delaying the decision only to wait till Huzurnagar bypoll result. "After results, KCR may say people are behind me even after RTC strike," said Reddy. BJP leader AP Jitender Reddy alleged that the CM was looting money of the people.

"KCR says there is no money to pay salaries. He is not clearing the dues of Kaleshwaram, not giving jobs and taking away the existing jobs. From a surplus State to shortage of funds where has the money gone," asked Jitender Reddy.