Karnataka [India], August 5 (ANI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on senior BJP leader R Ashok, accusing him of hypocrisy and failure to address the concerns of transport employees during his tenure as Transport Minister. The remarks come as a statewide strike by transport workers continues to disrupt services.
“When in power, a facade of drama; when in opposition, chameleon’s drama..! When in power, a mask of composure; when in opposition, a rage..! R Ashok, this description is a mirror of your self-deceptive personality,” Siddaramaiah said in a statement.
Referring to a 15-day transport strike that occurred under the BJP’s rule, Siddaramaiah criticized Ashok for what he termed as “incompetence,” claiming the then-Transport Minister failed to resolve the crisis and passively watched the situation unfold.
Siddaramaiah alleged that under the BJP’s tenure, transport workers suffered heavily, with delayed salary payments and poor financial management. “Half the salary was paid one month, and the remaining the next,” he said.
Contrasting that with the performance of the Congress government, Siddaramaiah said his administration had implemented salary hikes retroactively from 2012 and 2016. He accused the BJP of delaying the 2020 wage revision until March 2023 despite persistent demands.
“Although the transport employees demanded a salary increase from 2020, it was implemented only from March 1, 2023, through Government Order TD 12 TCB 2023. Isn’t it you who did injustice to the Bengaluru employees?” he asked.
He further alleged that recruitment had stalled under the BJP and that liabilities including Rs 5,900 crore in employees’ provident fund dues and diesel payments were left unaddressed. “You are the one who took a loan of Rs 2,000 crore from banks to pay this balance. We are the ones repaying it now,” he added.
Highlighting the Congress government’s initiatives, Siddaramaiah noted the recruitment of 10,000 employees—including 1,000 under compassionate appointments—and the addition of 5,200 new buses.
“I held talks with the trade unions of the Karnataka State Transport Corporations. Earlier, Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy also tried to mediate,” Siddaramaiah said.
On the ongoing strike, he reiterated the government’s commitment to clearing ₹718 crore in salary revision arrears. He pointed out that the previous BJP government had not paid the amount despite a one-member committee recommending it during their tenure.
“Despite our government’s request to convey this stance to the transport employees and to call off the strike and continue the talks, the employee organisations have gone on strike,” he said.
Claiming the Congress government is “pro-worker,” Siddaramaiah accused the BJP of historically being anti-farmer and anti-worker. He concluded by urging Ashok to reflect on his party’s track record: “Before making allegations against me and our government, you and your party should remember your own history of deception and betrayal.”
The ongoing strike by workers of BMTC, KSRTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC began at 6 AM on Tuesday and has affected services statewide, including in the border district of Belagavi. Workers are demanding the release of 38 months of pending salaries, wage revisions effective from January 1, 2024, and an end to privatisation and workplace harassment. Protesters are also calling for electric buses to be operated by company-employed drivers.
(ANI)
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