98% Polling In TGSRTC Union Elections Held After 10 Years
Polling was held at 115 stations covering 96 depots, workshops and administrative offices across the state. Counting of votes began soon after polling concluded at 6 pm.
Hyderabad:TGSRTC employees turned out in large numbers on Friday to elect their recognised union after a gap of 10 years, with polling recording a turnout of 98 per cent across Telangana.
The elections witnessed an enthusiastic response from employees, with a festive atmosphere prevailing at several depots. Polling began at 5 am, allowing employees reporting for the first shift to cast their votes before taking up duty.
At the Hayathnagar depot, Lakshmi, a woman conductor, cast her vote before reporting for duty. She said the elections were largely centred on the long-standing demand for the complete merger of TGSRTC with the state government to secure government employee benefits and job security.
Despite the intense campaign, camaraderie was evident among supporters of rival unions. At the Musheerabad depot, employees wearing badges of different unions were seen sharing tea.
"Elections are different, but our brotherly friendship will last forever," an employee said.
At the Ranigunj depot, union supporters made last-minute appeals to employees to vote for their respective candidates.
C.N. Krishan, a union campaigner, said the elections had drawn an overwhelming response from employees. He said there could be clarity on the leading union by late Friday night.
Returning officer Sunitha, joint commissioner of the state labour department, said polling was peaceful at all centres and recorded a turnout of 98 per cent.
She said postal ballots would be cast on October 14 and 15, while the labour commissioner would announce the results on October 17.
Polling was held at 115 stations covering 96 depots, workshops and administrative offices across the state. Counting of votes began soon after polling concluded at 6 pm.