Is Chief Minister Siddaramaiah Ignoring RTC Staff Demands Amid Strike?

Bengaluru, Aug 5 (NationPress) The BJP has strongly criticized the Congress-led government in Karnataka amidst the ongoing indefinite strike by RTC staff, which has created significant disruptions for commuters. They urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to “wake up from his slumber” and take immediate action to resolve the crisis.

Leader of the Opposition, R. Ashoka, addressed the media in Bengaluru on Tuesday, stating, “We stand behind the rightful demands of the RTC workers. State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra has also expressed his support. It is imperative for CM Siddaramaiah to awaken and engage with the stakeholders to settle this issue promptly.”

“If he is unable to manage this situation, he should consider resigning. Is there no common sense? What has the government been doing for the past week? They are inflicting hardship on the public, and the repercussions will be severe for those in power. This government is financially broken. I urge them to meet the RTC workers’ demands,” Ashoka added.

He pointed out that bus services have ceased operations entirely. “While the government promotes a free bus travel initiative for women, the reality is that no one has access to buses now. They previously claimed the state's economy was robust and the treasury was full. What’s the truth today?” he questioned.

Ashoka further remarked, “When I served as Transport Minister under the BJP government led by B.S. Yediyurappa, we implemented a 15 percent salary increase for RTC employees in one go over a decade ago. We allocated ₹480 crores at once, which would surpass ₹1,000 crores today when adjusted for inflation. All the RTC staff's demands were met back then.”

He emphasized that salary revisions should occur every four years. “During the Covid-19 pandemic, RTC employees in other states faced salary delays, but in Karnataka, we ensured timely payments. The Congress is misleading the public regarding salary revisions during Covid, which is irrelevant. The outstanding amounts from the revised pay structure must be disbursed,” he insisted.

BJP State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra also condemned the government's inaction, stating that the meeting with RTC representatives only happened due to Rahul Gandhi’s planned visit to Bengaluru. “Without their protests, the CM would not have engaged with them,” he noted.

Vijayendra further added, “CM Siddaramaiah merely conducted a meeting for show and did not address their demands. The staff has only two requests. If the state cannot fulfill them due to financial constraints, the CM must take responsibility and resolve this issue.”

He highlighted the impact on students in rural areas, stating, “They are unable to travel to schools and colleges because of the halted bus services. They are struggling with transportation as the number of buses has already diminished due to the free travel initiative. Now, the government cannot even pay RTC employees their wages.”

“For months, the economic landscape has been worsening. In this scenario, CM Siddaramaiah—who also manages the Finance portfolio—has failed to meet the demands. I recognize that people are facing significant inconvenience due to the lack of bus services. The Chief Minister should convene a meeting with RTC staff and officials immediately to resolve the issue and alleviate the public's suffering,” he concluded.

With the employees’ union of the state-owned transportation corporations announcing an indefinite strike, bus services across Karnataka experienced severe disruptions on Tuesday, causing major inconveniences for passengers.

RTC staff are demanding the immediate release of 38 months of overdue salaries, implementation of a salary revision effective from August 1, an end to staff harassment, cessation of privatization, and resolution of other related issues.