Is this the real reason for merger of RTC into Telangana government?

Is there more to Telangana CM KCR's move to merge the TSRTC into the state government? Political watchers say that with this one move, KCR has shot many birds. This will not only benefit him electorally but also help him running his government after the elections. Critics say KCR is actually eyeing the huge amount of properties and assets that belong to the RTC.

These sources say that the disgruntled TSRTC employees, their family members, friends and relatives were planning to vote against KCR in the coming elections. This could mean that the employees could upset the electoral calculations of the BRS in at least five to six constituencies in the state. Constituencies like Musheerabad, Secunderabad, Uppal and others have considerable number of RTC employees.

By announcing the merger, KCR has practically ensured that the anger of the RTC employees is contained. These voters might now back the BRS in the coming elections. This could pour cold water on the political prospects of the likes of RTC union leader Ashwatthama Reddy, who are planning to contest on a BJP ticket.

But, those in the know also warn that KCR might sell off the RTC properties to fund his flagship programmes. These prime properties could be sold to corporate biggies who will turn them into hot real estate. The RTC has 1500 acres of bus depots, bus stations, tyre rethreading units, hospitals, residential quarters, zonal workshops, body building units, printing presses, vacant lands and the RTC headquarters.