Delhi auto-rickshaws, taxis warn of strike from Apr 18

New Delhi, April 15: Posing challenge to the second phase of odd-even scheme, the autorickshaw and taxi union of Delhi on Friday threatened to go on strike from Monday against the Arvind Kejriwal government's "apathy".

They have set a two-day deadline before the Kejriwal government for their demands to be met. The demands include "uniform charges" for cab operators like Ola and Uber and their compliance with the Delhi government rules on fares.

"Kejriwal is acting like a dictator. We had on numerous occasions, including on April 5, requested an audience with him to discuss our issues, but he didn't care to bother. He forgot that we were the people who supported and campaigned for him during elections," said Rajinder Soni, a Bhartiya Mazdoor Sangh leader.

Soni said while the auto and taxi drivers charge Rs 8.30 per km and Rs.14 per km respectively, cab agencies like Ola and Uber, backed by "rich business houses", charge Rs.5 to Rs.6 per km.

"This is not only against the transport department's rules but threatens our livelihood. Those rich agencies just want to wipe us all out," Soni said.

He added the auto-taxi unions of drivers from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are backing the demand as well as the strike.

"People come all way from UP and Bihar looking for earnings through auto and taxi. The apathy of Delhi government is threatening them," said a leader.

IANS