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KTR Joins Auto Drivers Protest
KTR Takes an Auto to Attend Drivers’ Protest
On November 5, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president KT Rama Rao (KTR) made a symbolic gesture by riding an auto to attend a protest led by auto drivers in Hyderabad. The drivers were rallying for several demands, including an annual stipend of Rs 12,000, a promise made by the Telangana government but yet to be fulfilled. The gathering became a focal point for discussions about the challenges facing Hyderabad’s auto drivers and the political promises surrounding their welfare.
As KTR arrived at the protest in an auto, he addressed the crowd and voiced support for the drivers’ demands. His presence and words at the dharna underscored the significance of the auto drivers’ concerns and brought attention to the commitments made by political parties toward their welfare.
Auto Drivers Demand Fulfillment of Promises
The primary demands of the protesting auto drivers included a stipend of Rs 5,000 per month, the issuance of permits for 20,000 new autos, and the promised Rs 12,000 annual support. These demands reflect the financial challenges faced by many auto drivers, who struggle with fluctuating incomes and rising costs of living. KTR’s participation in the protest added weight to these issues, putting pressure on the Telangana government to address their concerns promptly.
The KTR auto drivers protest also highlighted the need for additional support measures. In his speech, KTR asked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to deliver on the promises made during election campaigns, where Gandhi was seen taking auto rides in a show of solidarity with drivers. KTR challenged him to translate symbolic gestures into concrete action by urging the Congress government to implement the proposed benefits for auto drivers.
Call for Third-Party Insurance and Microfinancing Support
Beyond the direct financial aid, KTR emphasized the importance of providing comprehensive support to auto drivers, including third-party insurance and access to microfinancing. Such measures would offer a safety net, enabling drivers to continue their work with some financial security. KTR also underscored that the government’s promises, including the annual Rs 12,000 support, should be realized swiftly.
“What happened to the Congress government’s promise of constituting a welfare board for autorickshaw drivers and providing them Rs 12,000 a year?” KTR asked during his address, drawing attention to the unmet expectations surrounding these commitments. He also voiced support for the drivers’ demand for a Rs 5,000 monthly stipend, stressing the need for ongoing assistance to ensure a stable livelihood for the auto drivers.
The Telangana Government’s Stand on Auto Drivers’ Welfare
In February, the Telangana government announced its intention to provide Rs 12,000 annually to support auto drivers. Telangana IT minister D Sridhar Babu reinforced the government’s commitment to the welfare of auto drivers, stating that the financial aid was meant to ease the impact of certain free travel schemes that had affected drivers’ income. According to him, the government was actively working on delivering the promised aid in the upcoming budget.
The KTR auto drivers protest prompted Sridhar Babu to respond, reiterating that the Telangana government was prepared to fulfill its promises within the next 100 days. He accused the BRS of spreading misinformation about the free travel scheme and reassured auto drivers that the government would make good on its commitments soon.
Political Back-and-Forth Over Auto Drivers’ Rights
KTR’s act of joining the auto drivers’ protest drew political reactions from various quarters. Telangana transport minister Ponnam Prabhakar took the opportunity to critique the BRS’s track record on driver welfare, questioning the party’s commitment to addressing the needs of auto drivers. “Have you ever helped auto drivers? Did you at least give Rs 1,000 per month?” Prabhakar asked, suggesting that the BRS had failed to support the drivers effectively during its tenure.
The KTR auto drivers protest thus turned into a political arena, with both the BRS and Congress using the protest to highlight perceived shortcomings in each other’s policies. While the protest focused on the drivers’ legitimate demands, it also brought underlying political tensions to the fore.
A Broader Call for Social Security for Auto Drivers
KTR’s support for the drivers’ cause goes beyond politics; it reflects a broader need for social security measures in the informal sector. Auto drivers, who often lack job security, pension benefits, and consistent incomes, are particularly vulnerable to economic fluctuations. By advocating for third-party insurance, microfinancing, and monthly stipends, KTR highlighted the need for sustainable, long-term solutions that can secure a stable livelihood for these drivers.
The Telangana government has also acknowledged the necessity of this support, promising to fulfill the Rs 12,000 aid commitment and address additional concerns in the upcoming budget. However, the continued pressure from drivers and leaders like KTR suggests that these measures must be implemented without delay.
Conclusion
KTR’s participation in the auto drivers’ protest demonstrates the importance of delivering on promises made to the working class. The demands for a Rs 5,000 monthly stipend, new permits, third-party insurance, and microfinancing underscore the drivers’ financial struggles and need for social security. The protest has not only amplified these demands but has also put political parties on notice regarding their responsibilities toward citizens’ welfare.
The KTR auto drivers protest serves as a reminder of the broader social and economic support that informal sector workers require. As the Telangana government pledges to fulfill its promises in the upcoming budget, the auto drivers’ protest has become a rallying point for accountability and support for the state’s workforce.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and summarizes recent events involving KT Rama Rao and the auto drivers’ protest in Hyderabad. It does not represent any political endorsement.
