HYDERABAD: Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, speaking at a Labour Day event at Ravindra Bharathi on Thursday, appealed to RTC employees to withdraw their proposed strike, assuring them of the government’s commitment to worker welfare and institutional reform.
“RTC is your organisation. You have a responsibility to protect it,” said the Chief Minister, warning that the financial strain on the state was still severe and any disruption could harm both the corporation and public interest.
Revanth Reddy outlined the historic role of workers—from Singareni and RTC to unorganised sectors—in the Telangana movement and promised continued support for their welfare.
He announced that a Gig Workers Policy will soon be introduced in Telangana, stating that it would become a national model. “Our government’s goal is to protect even those in the most unorganised segments,” he said.
On the current economic scenario, Revanth accused the previous BRS government of financial mismanagement. “We inherited ₹8.29 lakh crore in debt. The Kaleshwaram project, built with ₹1 lakh crore, collapsed in just three years,” he said, alleging ten years of unchecked economic exploitation.
He stated that ₹50,000 crore in unpaid contractor bills and ₹1.2 lakh crore in other departmental dues were left behind. “Even sarpanch dues were left hanging,” he remarked.
Despite this, he affirmed his administration’s progress: “We’re bringing RTC back to profitability. We’ve initiated compassionate appointments and bonuses in Singareni. This is the work of a people’s government.”
Addressing RTC workers directly, Revanth urged: “Please don’t take a rigid stance. Talk to the minister. Any revenue that comes in—I will place it in your hands. Suggest how to spend it.”
He added emotionally, “Not a single paisa will I take home. It’s all for you. We’ve spent 15 months without sleep to put this state back on track.”
Touching on political attacks, he criticised opposition leader KCR and his party. “After doing nothing for ten years, they now try to mislead you. Don’t fall for their poisonous politics.”
He concluded by reaffirming his commitment: “RTC workers are my family. Trust me, I will stand by you.”
