Mangaluru: Former minister B Ramanatha Rai who has reacted to the indefinite strike being observed by beedi workers association members for the third successive day demanding minimum wages of Rs 210 per every 1000 beedies rolled, has urged the managements of beedi companies to yield to the demands of beedi workers.

Speaking to reporters here on October 25, Thursday at the Congress Office at Kadri, Rai said though the government had agreed in April this year to increase the wages per 1000 beedies, the poor workers are still getting Rs 180.72. Rai also spoke about the hardships being faced by the beedi workers.

Mayor Bhasker K, former mayor Shashidhar Hegde and others were present.