Rewind: Employees Strike Leads NTR Defeat in 1989

The AP employees called for an indefinite strike from the midnight of 6th of February. Now that the Jagan Reddy government is quite adamant in hiking justifiable pay to the employees, the employees had to take an ultimate decision with the sole aim of achieving their demands. 

However, it must be recalled that all the previous governments in India, who created unrest among the employees through their poor governance, had to face humiliating defeat in subsequent general poll battles. Late Ntr's defeat in 1989's general elections is said to be the best example for it. Let's learn in brief what happened before the defeat of Ntr in 1989. 

It was July, 1986. Ntr gave nod to the faulty recommendations of the Pay Revision Commission. Turning down the PRC, the employees put three demands to Ntr. They sought the PRC would be implemented from the month of January instead of July. Secondly, they sought the minimum basic pay Rs.750 instead of Rs.740 and thirdly the merger of IR with the basic pay. 

Claiming that 48% of the state budget was incurred just for employees' salaries sake, Ntr rejected all their appeals. With no options left, the employeed kickstarted indefinite strike from 5th of November in 1986. 

As part of a damage coNtrol exercise, Ntr constituted a cabinet sub-committee to hold on discussions with the employees. The employees, however, firmly said, they want discussions with the CM only. 

Thereupon, Ntr government took several measures to threaten the employees. A total of 12 employee leaders were arrested under 'National Security Act'. Irritated by Ntr's move, the employees triggered 'Raastha Roko' and 'State Bandh'. As the law and order situation appeared to have deteriorated, Ntr threatened the employees that he would oust them all. Further, the chief secretary was directed to make alternative arrangements. 

Finally, the MP and leader of All India Employees Union, Sukumar Sen made negotiations between the CM and the employees. The employees agreed to call off the 53-day strike. Though they were paid the salaries for the strike period, their demands remained unfulfilled. 

Developing an intense unrest against Ntr, the employees defeated him in 1989's general elections. That's the historical victory of the employees and their movement always stands out an inspiration to the employees at All India level.