The day-long strike called by an auto-rickshaw union on Monday had a limited impact as auto-rickshaws continued to ply across the city through the day.
Auto-rickshaws were available in most parts of the city through the day barring the major railway stations. The impact at the railway stations was also limited only to a few hours in the morning.
While the auto rickshaw union leaders claimed many auto-rickshaw drivers chose to stay off the road, Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh vice-president Rajendra Soni said they called off the strike by noon “as senior traffic police officers assured them that they would look into their allegations of harassment by traffic policemen”.
“A delegation of the auto drivers met Special Commissioner (Traffic). He assured us that he would take action on two of our major demands that policemen in civil dress would not penalise auto drivers and action would be taken only in cases where the commuters have registered their complaint with the official helpline number. We decided to withdraw our protest after the police assurance,” said Mr. Soni.
Despite the tall claims of the union, autos were available in most part of the city. Auto drivers waiting at the Malviya Nagar metro station said they are not participating in the strike as they cannot afford to. “We are not on strike. We have to earn our bread and can’t afford to not work,” said Imran.
Another driver Subhash added: “We are locals. We are not on strike. Though I have heard about the fines that the Delhi Police have slapped auto drivers with, but there is no problem here.”
Commuters too said they did not find much problem in finding an auto rickshaw. “I easily got an auto for Hauz Khas metro station. It was just like any other day. Though when I reached the station, I heard an auto driver calling my auto driver a traitor,” said Rajesh Kumar of Sheikh Sarai.
The Bharatiya Janata Party leaders, however, claimed that the auto union called off its strike after they met the union and requested them to withdraw the strike.
“Delhi BJP president Satish Upadhyay had long discussion about their problems with a delegation of auto rickshaw drivers led by Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh vice-president Rajendra Soni. Mr. Upadhyay assured the delegation that Delhi BJP would strongly take up their demand of fleecing by Delhi Traffic Police constables and other demands regarding GPS. After the meeting, Mr. Soni announced the withdrawal of strike,” a BJP statement said.
