Political parties are set to gain mileage by politicising the autorickshaw strike to be observed from August 21-23. The BJP on Saturday threatened to take to the streets to do “bandobast” during the autorickshaw bandh.
Mumbai BJP has condemned the Autorickshaw Malak-Chalak Sanghatane Sanyukta Kriti Samiti’s move saying that it would cause hardship to people. “The three-day bandh called by Sharad Rao from August 21-23 is going to severely affect the people, especially in the wake of Dahi Handi and Ganeshotsav festivals. The NCP should also make its stand clear. If the strike is not stopped, BJP workers will take to the streets and deal with it appropriately,” said Mumbai BJP president Ashish Shelar.
Alleging that Mr Rao was an NCP member, Mr Shelar said, “Sharad Rao belongs to NCP and he discussed the matter with minister of state for transport Sachin Ahir before announcing the date. So, it seems that the NCP sponsored the strike. If not, it should make its stand clear.”
To counter the strike and to help strike affected commuters, BJP workers will gather at Vasant Smriti office to chalk out a plan of action on Monday. BJP has also set up a help centre to help those autorickshaw owners who would ply their rickshaws on the days of the strike.
Mr Shelar also accused Mr Rao of exploiting autorickshaw drivers to achieve his political goals. “Advocate general of the state has already clarified in the hearing that as per the Hakim committee’s recommendations, this year there won’t be a further hike in autorickshaw fares. Many of the autorickshaw owners are against the strike, but Rao’s union is bullying them,” said Mr Shelar.
Reacting sharply to Mr Shelar’s statement, general secretary of Autorickshawmen’s Union and son of Mr Rao, Shashank Rao said, “People who are protesting do not know the ground realities. We are fighting not only for a fare hike, but also for renewal of permit of deceased owners, rickshaws for students and for a welfare fund for owners.”
Consumer body Mumbai Grahak Panchayat, which has already approached the Bombay HC against the strike, has also started a campaign to oppose the auto strike and appealed to people to not travel by autos three days before and after the strike.