Karnataka: Bus strike enters second day, affects lakhs of commuters

Bus services remained to hit across Karnataka for the second consecutive day as drivers and conductors of the state road transport corporations persisted their indefinite strike on wage-related issues. On Thursday, the majority of the employees belonging to all the four transport corporations not attended their duty, affecting lakhs of daily commuters.Passengers travelling to and from distant areas and office-goers were the most affected due to the strike. However, the BS Yediyurappa-led BJP government tried to make alternate arrangements by roping in private transport operators by them. Even the state’s railway department made special arrangements such as running trains on certain routes to help commuters aimed at clearing the upcoming Ugadi festival rush in the state.In Bengaluru, private buses, mini buses, maxi cabs and various other transport vehicles were seen on Thursday operating to rescue of stranded passengers.CM BS Yediyurappa on Wednesday had requested the protesting employees to get back to work saying, “We have fulfilled eight of their nine demands, but they are adamant and have stopped buses and are creating trouble for the public. I appeal to them, get back to work, we can talk.”The state government said it will to concede to the workers’ demand to implement the sixty pay commission report for RTC workers. CM Yediyurappa has also warned of that strict action will be taken against those who do not abide by the rules.Meanwhile, the employees have decided to continue with the strike.India Today TV spoke to one of the passengers who said the strike is really affecting daily commuters.