Bengaluru: Former Home Minister Araga Jnanendra has strongly criticized the Karnataka government for its failure to resolve the ongoing transport workers’ strike, despite claims of a flourishing treasury.
Speaking to the media in Bengaluru, Jnanendra questioned the government’s inability to engage in meaningful dialogue with striking transport employees. “When Yediyurappa was in power, Siddaramaiah had asked us if our position was permanent. Now I ask him the same—how long do you think you’ll stay in power?” he said.
Jnanendra accused the government of neglecting workers’ welfare, stating, “You claim services are free, yet you don’t pay salaries. You should have called the workers for talks and resolved the issue. Students and the general public are suffering.”
He also criticized the surge in fares by private bus operators, calling for immediate government intervention. “People’s money is being wasted. The government must act now,” he urged.
In a sharp rebuke, he added, “You shout that the treasury is overflowing, but now you say there’s no money. Is this how you walk your talk? Rural areas are facing severe issues. Solve this immediately.”