Bengaluru: Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy has launched a sharp counterattack on Opposition Leader R. Ashok, dismissing claims that state transport corporations were at their peak during the BJP’s tenure.
Responding to Ashok’s remarks on social media platform X, Reddy said, “Get out of the illusion that transport companies were at their peak during your tenure,” and accused the former transport minister of laying the foundation for employee strikes.
He pointed out that the first wage-related strikes occurred in September 2012 under Ashok’s tenure and recalled two major strikes during the BJP regime in 2020 and 2021, including a 15-day agitation. “Around 3,500 employees were dismissed, suspended, and cases were filed. With such a record, what moral ground is there to speak about workers’ welfare?” Reddy questioned.
Highlighting financial challenges, Reddy said that salary revisions announced in March 2023 during the BJP government left 38 months of arrears unpaid without budget allocation, creating long-term complications. He added that the current government cleared ₹224 crore in gratuity arrears in 2025.
Providing data, Reddy said the total outstanding liability of the four transport corporations stands at ₹7,130.80 crore as of March 31, 2026. This includes ₹2,298.20 crore in provident fund dues and ₹822.26 crore in fuel payments. He noted that the government facilitated a ₹2,000 crore bank loan in 2025 to address pending dues and is repaying it.
On wage demands, he explained that a 25% salary hike sought by unions would cost an additional ₹131.52 crore per month and ₹1,578.18 crore annually, placing heavy pressure on already strained finances. “Such decisions cannot be taken unilaterally without consulting the Chief Minister,” he said.
Reddy also stated that discussions with labour unions are ongoing, but criticised their decision to proceed with a strike despite assurances of further talks. “We assured them that a decision on wage revision would be taken soon, yet they have gone ahead with the strike,” he added.
