BJP sees conspiracy behind Telangana RTC staff dismissal

Hyderabad: BJP sensed something fishy in the ongoing TSRTC turmoil in Telangana. The vast land bank could be one primary reason behind the denial of merging TSRTC with the state government, observes K Krishna Saagar Rao, chief spokesperson at BJP-Telangana unit.

“There’s a well-thought-out plan behind the brazenness of dismissing 48,000 employees. TSRTC has hundreds of acres of valuable land in GHMC limits. In the guise of a failed and a loss-making enterprise, the RTC will be undersized and eventually merged with the state government,” Rao expresses doubts.

Otherwise, why would any CM dismiss almost all employees of RTC? “The decision will create fear and uncertainty among employees and bring division within unions. Certainly, CM K Chandrasekhar Rao will eventually propose a merger and make it look like he’s heeding the demands of the employees. BJP warns the state government not to liquidate a very efficient organisation like RTC. The government should provide the RTC with the right governance and effective administration. The state government should revive the corporation to serve the poor and needy of the state,” remarked Rao.

The statement by KCR saying TSRTC is left with only 1,200 staff indicates the dismissal of remaining 48,000 employees. Legal experts express doubts over the possible implementation of the decision.

“Let’s take a look at Tamil Nadu. The then Chief Minister late Jayalalitha dismissed 1.70 lakh employees in 2003. However, the government employees received a breather from the Supreme Court. The apex court directed employees to extend an unconditional apology to the state government and sign an agreement stating not to observe strikes in the future. In Telangana also, RTC employees may get support from the judicial system,” said a legal expert.