Autowallahs, families accuse Gadkari of giving free run to app-based taxis

NAGPUR: Frustrated with the free run to app-based cab services like Ola and Uber, over 20,000 auto owners and their families, totalling over a lakh, claim to have voted against the BJP.
The frustration was evident during discussions with autorickshaw owners in slums like Rajendra Nagar, Hasanbagh, Pardi, Kalamna and Minimata Nagar. “The government taxes us, but lets app-based taxis operate illegally at our expense,” said Mohammed Shahid of Hasanbagh.

Vilas Bhalekar, president of Tiger Autorickshaw Union, the biggest union of autorickshaw owners, confirmed this, “On March 26, we had openly declared support to Congress nominee Nana Patole at a meeting of all members.”

“Auto owners were disillusioned with the BJP government for taxing us in last 5 years. In 2014, vehicle insurance was increased from Rs3,600 to Rs7,500, permit fee from Rs200 to Rs10,700, RTO passing fee from Rs200 to Rs600, and hypothecation fee from Rs100 to Rs1,500. BJP is only promoting capitalism in all sectors,” said Bhalekar.

Bhalekar claimed all their votes went to the Congress across the city.

Even former corporator and BJP leader Ibrahim Chudiwale, who set up party booths, admitted there was resentment against the party among auto owners. This was reflected during polling, as autorickshaw owners were seen ferrying relatives and families to voting booths in slum areas.

“I swear I voted against the BJP. Ola and Uber are eating into our livelihood. For example, if an autorickshaw from Rajendra Nagar to railway station charges Rs150, cabs ferry you for Rs70-100,” said Sheikh Ayyaz, an auto owner.