BJP leaders, who had supported the protesters, withdraw after transport minister’s ultimatum; number of those reporting to work sees hike, leading to more bus services
MSRTC employees continue their strike demanding merger with the state government, at Azad Maidan on Thursday. Pic/Bipin Kokate
Protesting MSRTC workers are adamant on continuing the strike even as the BJP leaders, who had supported them, backed out after state transport minister Anil Parab warned of strict action against all employees who fail to rejoin duty on Friday.
Meanwhile, several MSRTC depots opened on Thursday, with buses beginning operations. A MSRTC spokesperson said that 9,705 of the total 92,266 employees reported to work on Thursday, up from 8,300 employees the day before. He further said bus operation has started from several depots including Sangli, Pune, Nashik and other divisions, with the highest number of depots functional in Sangli division.
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He added that the number of buses operating on various routes from various depots also went up significantly as many drivers and conductors reported to duty. Nearly 350 buses were operated across the state till evening. Another MSRTC official said that on Thursday they operated the highest number of buses since November 9, when the indefinite strike of the employees for the demand of merger with the state government was intensified.
350
No. of buses operated in the state on Thursday
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