Pandemic-hit cabbies don't support bandh in Delhi

September 27, 2021 10:59

A mega traffic snarl seen at Gurugram-Delhi border

Autorickshaws and taxis plied normally and shops were open in the national capital on Monday, with their unions and associations extending only "in-principle support" to the Bharat Bandh called by farmers but deciding not to join the strike. The auto, taxi unions and traders bodies said their livelihood has already been hit hard due to the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown so they were not joining any strike.

The Bandh has been called by farmers against the Centre's three agri laws. "Previously also we had supported Bharat Bandh by the farmers but continued to ply our autos and taxis. This time also we are in support of genuine farmers but not on strike because our members are in deep distress due to shrinking earnings in pandemic times," said Rajender Soni, general secretary of the Delhi Auto Taxi Union.

The Sarvoday Driver Association of Delhi, representing many drivers of cab aggregator platforms, also supported the farmers but did not join the strike.

"We are in support of the farmers but our work was affected due to the pandemic and we cannot afford to go in their support by striking," said Kamaljeet Gill, president of the Association.

Other auto and taxi unions expressed the same sentiment. "We fully support the farmers. But in view of the financial crisis faced by us due to Covid, we are extending our moral and in-principle support to them and their demand while working normally," said Anuj Rathor, secretary of the Rashtriya Rajdhani Kshetra Auto Drivers Association.

Markets and shops in the city were open as farmers have not contacted our associations for any strike, said Brijesh Goyal, chairman of the Chamber of Trade and Industry(CTI).

« Back to LIVE

TOP STORIES

Who Is Hema Malini Bowing To?

That's Shri Shri 108 Pujya Vinod Baba Maharaj.

'BJP Has 6,000 Crores To Spend On Elections'

'Not even a single rupee from the electoral bonds should be allowed to be used in the election.' 'If it is used in the election, it will taint India's electoral process itself.'

'Had belief in myself I could win the game'

Punjab Kings' batting sensation Ashutosh Sharma had the self-belief to take his team over the line, though Gerald Coetzee ended his stay at the crease to take Mumbai Indians to their third win of the ongoing Indian Premier League season.

Pooja, Esha, Aahana's Amazing Choli Styles

They're bringing sexy back!

India Inc capital expenditure story gets cement to semiconductor push

Corporate India is starting to step up its capital expenditure plans amid government incentives and signs of rising demand, company executives and analysts have indicated. This coincides with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently...