Autorickshaw union calls for 24-hour bandh on March 20, demands ban on bike taxi services

BENGALURU: An autorickshaw union in the city has called for a bandh on March 20, demanding a ban on the Rapido bike taxi, which, it says, is illegal.

The autorickshaw drivers claimed that they do not get passengers due to the unauthorised bike taxis in the city and demanded that the government ban unauthorised Ola, Uber and Rapido bike taxis in the city. The auto drivers have decided to suspend their service for 24 hours, starting Sunday midnight.

More than two lakh autorickshaw drivers have decided to protest outside the CM’s residence. The union members have pasted posters of the bandh at many places, including bus, train and Metro stations.

Manjunath, president of the Adarsha Auto and Taxi Drivers’ Union.

“We have called for a bundh from Sunday midnight to Monday midnight, demanding a ban on unauthorized bike taxis as it has affected our income. We have complained to the government many times, but they have not taken any action against it. We have decided to protest outside the CM’s house”, said Manjunath, president of the Adarsha Auto and Taxi Drivers’ Union.

An autorickshaw driver who is extending his support for the bandh starting Sunday midnight.

“I have been informed everyone about the bandh. All autorickshaw drivers should participate in this because it is about our livelihjood. We are using WhatsApp to share the details”, said an autorickshaw driver.