The indefinite strike by Karnataka’s state-run transport employees, which began at 6 am on Tuesday, August 5, has crippled public transport across the state, prompting sharp criticism from the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The strike, defying a Karnataka High Court interim stay order, has left thousands of commuters, particularly students and rural residents, stranded in cities like Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Hubballi. The BJP has accused the Congress-led government and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of financial mismanagement and inaction, urging them to “wake up from their deep slumber” and resolve the crisis.

The strike, led by the Joint Action Committee of Trade Unions of the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), demands a 25% wage hike effective from January 1, 2024, and clearance of 38 months’ salary arrears totaling Rs 1,785 crore. Negotiations with Siddaramaiah on Monday failed, with the government offering to clear only 14 months’ arrears, a proposal rejected by union leader HV Anantha Subbarao, who insisted, “We worked all 38 months. This is not a fresh burden.” The unions also demand an end to staff harassment and privatization efforts. Only 10% of the 1.15 lakh RTC employees reported to work, severely disrupting services, with Bengaluru’s Namma Metro and private buses overwhelmed by demand.

BJP Leader of Opposition R Ashoka lambasted the government, stating, “The CM claims surplus funds, yet can’t meet legal employee demands. If you can’t solve this, quit and go home.” He accused the Congress of neglecting commuters and highlighted the financial strain from the Shakti scheme, which offers free bus travel for women, costing Rs 5,300 crore this year. Ashoka claimed the BJP, during its tenure, cleared Rs 480 crore in dues, equivalent to over Rs 1,000 crore today, and ensured salaries during the Covid-19 pandemic.

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State BJP President B Y Vijayendra alleged the government ignored the strike threat until Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s impending visit prompted a “careless” meeting. “The treasury is empty due to Congress’s mismanagement,” he said, pointing to a Rs 4,000 crore loan inherited from the BJP’s tenure and a Rs 1,694 crore RTC deficit despite Rs 6,543 crore in Shakti scheme reimbursements.

Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy defended the government, claiming 100% of Bengaluru’s BMTC buses and 40% of KSRTC buses were operational, though commuters reported widespread disruptions. The government has invoked the Karnataka Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) and issued a ‘no work, no pay’ policy, while arranging private buses, which charge women despite the Shakti scheme’s free travel promise.

The BJP’s call for immediate talks and a white paper on state finances underscores the political showdown, with rural commuters and students bearing the brunt of the deadlock.

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