Deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka Assures Positive Resolution to RTC Issues Amid Strike

Ministers, senior officials, and leaders of the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) Joint Action Committee (JAC) paid two-minute silent tributes at the Secretariat to Narsampet depot driver Shankar Goud , who died by suicide amid the ongoing RTC employees’ strike. A high-level review meeting , chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka , was subsequently held with JAC leaders.

Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar announced key relief measures, assuring that the government would extend full support to Shankar Goud’s family. He stated that one family member would be given a government job , along with ₹10 lakh financial assistance and an Indiramma house . He also urged opposition parties not to politicise the tragedy and instead stand by the bereaved family.

Addressing the meeting, Bhatti Vikramarka reiterated that the government would resolve RTC workers’ issues with a positive and democratic approach through dialogue. Expressing deep condolences, he said such tragic incidents must not recur and emphasised the collective responsibility to prevent them. He criticised the previous BRS government, alleging that the RTC system had been weakened and workers were treated harshly, and assured that the present government would not follow the same path. Strengthening RTC remains a key priority , he added.

JAC leaders placed 32 demands before the ministers. Prabhakar said the government was favourable to 29 demands , while discussions are ongoing on the remaining three key issues: merger of RTC with the government, recognition of unions, and implementation of PRC .

The meeting was attended by ministers Sridhar Babu, Vivek Venkataswamy, and Adluri Laxman Kumar , along with Chief Secretary Ramkrishna Rao , Special Chief Secretaries Vikas Raj and Dana Kishore , Finance Secretary Sandeep Kumar Sultania , and TSRTC MD Y. Nagi Reddy .

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy expressed shock over Shankar Goud’s death and assured all possible support to the family. He appealed to workers not to resort to extreme steps and to resolve issues through discussions. Union Minister of State for Home Bandi Sanjay Kumar visited Muttajipet village and consoled the family. He criticised authorities for not allowing the body to be taken to the depot for even five minutes , alleging that workers were being intimidated. BJP State President N. Ramchander Rao extended solidarity to protesting workers across depots.

“He promised to build a house… now we are left with nothing”

Shankar Goud’s wife, Latha , broke down, saying: “He was our only support. What will happen to us now? Who will take care of us?” Speaking to the media in Muttajipet village in Warangal district , she described his distress prior to the incident.

Recalling Thursday’s events, she said she had asked him to come home for lunch, but he replied that arrangements had been made at the protest site. When she offered to join him, he told her not to come as it was a department-related protest . Sensing his anxiety, she informed his colleagues about his condition. However, she was later shocked to learn of his suicide attempt. “With police and so many employees present, why couldn’t they save him?” she asked.

The family does not own a house. “We always lived in rented houses. He would say we will build one after earning enough. Now we don’t even have a house to keep his body; we brought it to our daughter’s home,” Latha said, urging the government to support them and provide a job to their son .

His daughter Shalini said her father was due to retire in two years and had promised to treat both children equally with his retirement benefits. “Despite living in rented houses, he raised us with great care and love,” she said.

Co-workers recalled that he was fondly called “Shankar anna” , known for his discipline and amicable nature. Coming from a middle-class background, he had been deeply worried about working conditions during the strike. They demanded enhanced ex gratia, a job for his son, and a house for the family .

Shankar Goud, who set himself ablaze during a protest at the Narsampet bus station , died late Thursday night while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Hyderabad. Although police initially refused permission to take the body to the depot, they later allowed it following pressure from employees. The last rites were conducted in Muttajipet village on Friday.

RTC employees have been on an indefinite strike since April 22 , demanding merger with the government and fulfilment of their 32 demands. Shankar Goud’s death is likely to intensify the agitation .