BJP to stage 'Sadak Bandh' throughout Telangana on Nov 19, says K Laxman

The Bharatiya Janata Party state President Dr K Laxman on Sunday, November 17, said the party will stage a 'Sadak bandh' throughout Telangana on November 19, against the acts of some officials in the state government who are acting like "agents of the ruling TRS" by going against those who sided with the TSRTC employees.

Speaking to the media Laxman said, "It is most unfortunate that some IAS officers in Telangana are acting as agents of ruling TRS party by not only filing false affidavits, false data, and false allegations and have gone to an extent of levelling charges against BJP and even RTC employees that they are conspiring to dethrone the present state government." 

"BJP is going to participate in the 'Sadak Bandh' program. I myself will lead the agitation on that day and this should become an eye-opener to the government. And see to it that the TSRTC employees' genuine demands are met, otherwise the government shall face adverse consequences in the state," he added.

READ | Hyderabad: TR Sriniwas Slams KCR Over Insensitive Comments On Suicides By TSRTC Employees

'Suo moto cognizance by HC'

Dr Laxman further added that the High Court should take suo moto cognizance of the statements issued by the Transport Principal Secretary, in which he had blamed the BJP and also questioned whether standing up for the rightful demands of the TSRTC employees could be seen as a move to destabilize the K Chandrasekhar Rao-led state government.

"I demand the Transport Principal Secretary Sunil Sharma either to prove his allegations or resign. Let even the High Court take it as suo moto and let an enquiry be made in what way and how BJP has tried to destabilize this Government. When we are fighting for the genuine causes of RTC employees in a peaceful and democratic manner. How can a Government representative an IAS officer throw the blame on opposition parties," he said.

READ | Telangana BJP Leader Urges Citizens And NRIs To Support And Save TSRTC

About the strike

The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) strike has been going on over a month now. The employees started a strike on October 5. The Transport Corporation Joint Action Committee has been demanding for the merger of the Regional Transport Committee with the Telangana government. They are also asking for the prohibition of electric buses. According to reports, ever since the beginning of the strike, more than 2,000 busses have remained grounded in the State. After the TSRTC employee, Srinivas Reddy, who died after allegedly immolating himself, protests also broke out in different parts of the city and other places, with employees raising slogans and holding the state government responsible for his death.

Almost 15 TSRTC employees were taken into custody on Saturday, November 16, when they were protesting in front of Farooq Nagar bus depot in Telangana. The RTC joint action committee has called for a 'bus roko' protest in Telangana. Reportedly section 144 has also been imposed in the State. At least five TSRTC employees have committed suicide since the commencement of the strike. 

READ | Hyderabad: Section 144 CrPC Imposed In Wake Of 'Bus Roko' Call By TSRTC Employees

READ | TSRTC Protests: 15 Employees Taken Into Custody By Hyderabad Police

(with ANI inputs)