Karnataka lorry owners began indefinite strike; unions remain divided

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The Federation of Karnataka State Lorry Owners and Agents Association began an indefinite strike at midnight on April 14, citing various demands, including a reduction in diesel prices, state highway tolls, and the removal of border RTO check-posts.

The federation is also demanding a cut in Fitness Certificate fees and the removal of no-entry timings for lorries in city limits.

Speaking to reporters, Federation President G R Shanmugappa said around six lakh lorries will go off the road from Monday midnight.

Also, read: From A-Z, Karnataka sees a series of price hikes

“We had urged the government to reduce diesel prices by April 14. As there was no response, we have decided to go on strike from midnight. Many services will be disrupted from Tuesday due to the strike. Even lorries transporting petrol and diesel will observe a bandh,” he said.

He added that the supply of vegetables, fruits, food grains to depots, LPG cylinders, goods and sand will be affected. “Trucks from other states will also not enter Karnataka during the strike,” he claimed.

However, B Channa Reddy, honorary president of the Federation of Karnataka Lorry Owners’ Association, said his union members will not participate in the strike. “Our trucks will continue to operate as usual. There will be no disruptions,” he said.

Truck associations from Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh have expressed support for the strike and said they will not send trucks into Karnataka during the protest.

Meanwhile, the Akhila Karnataka Petroleum Dealers Association said the strike will not affect fuel supply, as most dealers have sufficient stock and own trucks for transportation.

Also, read: Karnataka: Diesel price to increase as state government hikes sales tax