Normal life was severely paralyzed following the state-wide bandh, called by the employees of Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) in support of their indefinite strike, which had entered the 15th day on Saturday. Public transport system took a hit as autorickshaw, cab and private taxi service drivers also extended support to the bandh which is also being backed by Opposition parties and people’s organisations. As the protesting employees staged dharnas in front of the depots, buses remained confined to the depots all over the state. Rallies were taken out by workers unions and political parties in different parts of the state supporting the bandh.
Several political leaders including Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS) President M Kodandaram, TDP’s state unit President L Ramana besides leaders of Left and Congress parties were also taken into custody. In some bandh-bound areas, altercation between the agitating employees and the police were seen. Police made elaborate security arrangements to prevent any untoward incidents.
In a significant development, the High Court had on Friday, finding fault with the state government’s stand that there was no room for negotiations, passed a direction urging the Corporation to invite the striking employees for talks. The HC had said it was hopeful that both the corporation and the striking employees would get back to it by October 28 with successful results. (UNI)
