With the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) administration failing to get its striking contractual employees to resume work, the Maharashtra government on Monday intervened through Mumbai suburban district Guardian Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha. The minister met with the BEST management, officials from contract companies and workers, assuring them that services will be restored within the next 24 to 48 hours.

However, it seemed that the BEST administration was not serious about resolving the issue despite the strike entering the sixth day as officials were busy with a cultural programme to mark the undertaking’s 76th foundation day on August 7.