BRS backs striking power staff, accuses Congress govt of intimidation

Former MLA Gandra Venkataramana Reddy criticised the Congress government for ignoring the strike by 23,000 electricity department workers in Telangana. He alleged that instead of engaging in dialogue, the government was threatening dismissals and obstructing protests.

Hyderabad: Former MLA Gandra Venkataramana Reddy on Friday accused the Congress government of ignoring the ongoing strike by around 23,000 electricity department workers seeking resolution of their grievances. Instead, he said the government was resorting to intimidation with threats to dismiss them from jobs.

Addressing a press meet at Telangana Bhavan on Friday, Venkataramana Reddy said despite notices served by employees, the government failed to initiate dialogue and was instead threatening dismissals. He alleged that in Bhupalpally constituency, workers were even denied permission to erect tents for staging protests.

---

The BRS leader demanded immediate talks with the striking employees, asserting that their demands, including job security and a grade-based system for artisan staff, were reasonable. He recalled that during K Chandrashekhar Rao’s tenure, such workers were recognised as artisans and given wage hikes.

Alleging harassment by TG Genco management, he said the BRS will stand with the employees until the government concedes to their demands.