RTC JAC to hold Million March soon

Hyderabad: Taking forward their agitation, the TSRTC workers have decided to take up 'Million March' at Tank Bund in Hyderabad similar to the march taken up during Telangana agitation.

The TSRTC JAC leaders took part in the 'Sakalajanula Samarabheri' at Saroornagar Indoor Stadium as part of their strike which entered 26th day on Wednesday. Telangana Jana Samithi chief M Kodandaram said that they would take up another Million March at Tank Bund and the date would be decided by RTC JAC.

"Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao has become alone in Pragathi Bhavan... no Ministers or MLAs are meeting him whereas entire Telangana society and all the political parties are behind the RTC workers," said Kodandaram.

Stating that 14 members have died so far during the strike, Kodandaram asked the chief minister how many lives he would take. TJS chief alleged that government insulted the RTC workers by treating them like 'war criminals.'

Congress MP A Revanth Reddy said that the issues were becoming complex in K Chandrashekar Rao's rule and courts were intervening. During the undivided Andhra Pradesh, the rulers gave permission for protest programmes like 'Sakalajanula Samme,' but the chief minister was not giving permissions to protest.

He pointed out that RTC was not in losses but forced to get into losses. "CM decreases the VAT on ATF (air turbine fuel) used by rich but collects 27 per cent VAT on diesel for RTC buses, which are used by poor," said Revanth Reddy alleging the decisions of K Chandrashekar Rao were disastrous to TSRTC.

Revanth Reddy criticised Minister E Dayakar for stating that TRS never promised to merge RTC with government. "Chameleon Erabelli says TRS manifesto had no mention about merger of RTC. Was giving away 50 per cent routes to private operators mentioned in the manifesto?" asked Revanth Reddy alleging the properties of RTC were given away to the relatives of the chief minister.

BJP leader AP Jitender Reddy said K Chandrashekar Rao used RTC for achieving Telangana. "CM spent Rs 50 crore to win Huzurnagar and later announced Rs 100 crore but he says he has no money to give Rs 47 crore to TSRTC.

The chief minister is not implementing many Central government schemes but says he is implementing the Centre's Amended MV Act for privatising routes in RTC," said Jitender Reddy.

RTC JAC convenor Ashwathama Reddy said the workers would take up 24-hour 'deeksha' at bus depots in the State in support of CPI leader K Samabasiva Rao, who is on fast in support of the striking RTC workers. The TDP, CPI, CPM and other party leaders also addressed the meeting.