THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Transport Minister Antony Raju has said that the government is not adamant regarding the bus strike and that private bus owners should give up their stubbornness. "The government has already announced that an increase in private bus fares is inevitable and is moving forward with its word. If the organizations wants to have a discussion, they can come over", he said.

"Only a few leaders in the organization are stubborn. The bus owners are saying that the strike will not be called off without announcing an increase in fares. It was said that a final decision will be taken after the LDF meeting on the 30th of this month and the aim of such a strike is something else".

"Auto taxi organizations have also come forward with the same demand. Negotiations were held with them and they believed the word given by the government. They did not call for a strike because they understood the matter. The bus owners' strike is against the public", the minister said.