Addressing the demonstrators, Arun Kumar of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike Autorickshaw Drivers' Wing said that auto-rickshaw drivers were subjected to all kinds of exploitation by the government. The ones who ask for votes from the auto-driver community during elections assault the same auto-drivers after coming to power. This is 'goondaism', he said, condemning the assault.
Stating that the protestors were not afraid of the political leader in question, he said that if the minister did not tender an apology for his behaviour, the unions would resort to intense protest. “We will call for a district-wide auto-rickshaw strike if our demand is not met,” he said, urging the auto-drivers to work together in unity.
He said that while politicians drove vehicles that ran on diesel, the government had made it mandatory for all auto-rickshaws to use LPG. Where is the justice in this? The district administration should convene a meeting to discuss and reduce LPG/CNG prices in the district, he said.
Speaking on the occasion, general secretary of Federation of Karnataka Auto Rickshaw Drivers' Union L T Suvarna said that it was distressing when an elected representative assaults a citizen. The MLA is resorting to dirty politics, he said, warning of protests against the behaviour of the MLA.
CPI(M) leader Sunil Kumar Bajal also spoke on the occasion. Several auto drivers took part in the demonstration endorsing the demand.
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