Andhiyur MLA drives bus amid workers strike

Salem: Unmindful of consequences, an AIADMK MLA representing Andhiyur in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, Mr. Raja Krishnan, braved to take to the wheels of a State Transport Corporation (STC) bus and jolly well drove it from Andhiyur to Bhavani on Friday, after STC workers struck work in response to the trade unions call for an indefinite strike over wage revision and other issues. 

Raja Krishnan surprised everyone to take the driver's seat, like duck to water even as a group of striking transport workers of the DMK-affiliated LPF sat on a 'dharna' near the Andhiyur bus stand, protesting against the MLA's anti-workers' decision. Over 20 workers blocked the road, creating tension in the area, and one of them even prostrated on the road. 

However, police rushed to the spot to clear the road and the AIADMK MLA continued his journey, steering the STC bus for full 18-km, up to Bhavani in Erode district. On Visiting Andhiyur, seeing the plight of passengers waiting for buses, Raja Krishnan himself decided to operate a bus. 

In the western districts of Salem, Namakkal and Erode, 50 per cent of the TNSTC buses were not operated on Friday following the strike call by the Transport Unions. Salem district collector, Ms. Rohini R. Bhajibhakare swung into action, visiting bus depots, inspecting them and instructed Transport officials to ensure passengers were not fleeced by private bus operators today.