Shankar Goud, a driver with the Telangana State Regional Transport Corporation (RTC), died early Friday after setting himself ablaze during a protest in Narsampet, Warangal district, India, on April 23. Goud was protesting alongside other RTC employees who began an indefinite strike on April 22, demanding reforms, including the merger of RTC with the government. Following his death, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy expressed shock and offered condolences to Goud's family, assuring them of government support. The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of RTC employees plans to continue their agitation, which includes silent marches and submissions to local leaders. The government has urged employees to refrain from extreme measures and has initiated talks to address their concerns. The situation has drawn criticism from political leaders, with BRS MLA T Harish Rao and BJP state president N Ramchander Rao voicing their support for the striking employees. The ongoing unrest within the RTC highlights the urgent need for dialogue between the government and its employees.