Veteran Labour Leader H V Anantha Subbarao Succumbs to Heart Attack at 81
The Karnataka labour movement has suffered a significant blow with the passing of H V Anantha Subbarao, the esteemed president of the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) Staff and Workers Federation. The 81-year-old veteran communist leader died following a sudden heart attack at his residence on Wednesday evening, leaving behind a legacy of over five decades of relentless advocacy for workers' rights.
A Sudden and Tragic Demise
According to union colleagues, Subbarao had been active throughout the day, even conducting a meeting at the federation office. He returned home in the evening and went to take a bath around 6 pm. Shortly after, he emerged complaining of severe chest pain. In a swift response, trade union leader Vijay Bhaskar and Subbarao's own granddaughter rushed him to a nearby hospital. Tragically, medical professionals declared him 'brought dead' upon arrival, confirming the cause as a cardiac arrest.
Five Decades of Unwavering Service
Anantha Subbarao was not just a union president; he was an institution within Karnataka's labour circles. His journey began in the 1960s through the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC), marking the start of a lifelong commitment to leftist ideology and workers' welfare.
- He served as the longest-standing general secretary of the KSRTC Staff and Workers Federation.
- He fiercely opposed the privatisation of the state transport corporation, viewing it as a threat to employee security.
- He was instrumental in organising numerous protests and strikes aimed at securing salary revisions and protecting workers' rights.
- In fact, he had recently called for a 'Bengaluru Chalo' strike scheduled for Thursday to press for the demands of KSRTC employees statewide.
A Respected Leader Across Movements
Subbarao's influence extended far beyond the KSRTC. He rose through the ranks of the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), serving as its president until last year. Under his dynamic leadership, AITUC successfully expanded its reach into new workforce sectors, including scheme workers and public transport employees.
He also provided guidance to various industrial unions, including those at major corporations like ITC and Mico Bosch. Known as a tough and principled negotiator, KSRTC workers routinely turned to him to resolve issues related to their salaries and working conditions. A fellow leader noted, 'Any transport minister in recent decades would hesitate to make decisions without consulting Subbarao.'
Condolences Pour In from the Highest Levels
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed profound grief over the loss, describing Subbarao as a 'close associate' and a 'beloved labour leader.' In a heartfelt post on social media platform X, the Chief Minister paid tribute in Kannada, which loosely translates to:
'I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of H V Anantha Subbarao... a fighter who led numerous movements as a labour leader for a long four decades. His tireless fighting spirit and ideological commitment serve as an inspiration to all fighters. His departure represents an irreplaceable loss to society, and particularly to the working class.'
The Chief Minister extended his prayers for the departed soul and strength for the bereaved family.
The Legacy of a Stalwart
Hailing from Arkalgud in Hassan district, Subbarao was also a relative of prominent Karnataka CPI(M) leader S Suryanarayana Rao. His life was a testament to steadfast ideological commitment and grassroots mobilisation. For thousands of transport and scheme workers across Karnataka, Anantha Subbarao was more than a leader; he was their voice—a voice that championed their cause for half a century and whose absence will be deeply felt in the ongoing struggle for workers' dignity and fair treatment.
