“Bond with auto driver brothers is old and comes from heart”: Arvind Kejriwal at Auto Wing’s ‘Diwali Milan’
(source : ANI) ( Photo Credit : ani)
Arvind Kejriwal, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief, stopped by the party’s Delhi headquarters on Sunday for an auto‑driver Diwali gathering. The National Convenor took time to chat with thousands of city rickshaw owners, listen to their complaints, and offer festive wishes.
Kejriwal said his relationship with auto drivers is “old and heartfelt.” He recalled that when the AAP first swept into power, the government rolled out several exemptions and benefits for the sector. “We were the only ones who spoke for the drivers,” he told the crowd. “The new administration has pulled back those promises.”
During the event, Kejriwal highlighted that the AAP had promised “seven big benefits” to auto drivers in its election campaign, but none were delivered once the party left power. The chief also reminded listeners of the struggles faced by drivers under the previous rule, mentioning accusations of theft, traffic police harassment, and the real‑life difficulties of driving from a “jhuggi” (shanty).
Searing in the discussion, Kejriwal urged supporters to give him a five‑year “wait” period before a “big wave” would bring the AAP back to Delhi with a majority. Behind the dramatic tone was a simple request: let drivers keep fighting for fair fares, proper meters, and an ease of work.
The meeting also saw the Delhi unit president, Saurabh Bharadwaj, confirm that Kejriwal was not told about the gathering ahead of time. “He had many appointments today,” Bharadwaj said. “The drivers personally reached out and asked him to come. He agreed immediately, showing the strength of his bond with the community.”
When asked about the drivers’ concerns, Kejriwal listened to a range of complaints. One driver warned that the Central Government’s new transport portal was a problem. “Even a single mismatch in an Aadhaar card or registration card can delay vehicle fitness approval,” he said. “We’re scared that 20 percent of Delhi autos could be off the road in six months if this continues.”
Other grievances included re‑introducing fees that had previously been waived, the central policy on imposing 600–700 rupees charges, and the lack of enforcement against corrupt officers. Drivers also cited promises from the central government—free school education, scholarships, insurance under the Prime Minister’s scheme, and permanent housing under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana—that remain unfulfilled. One rider noted that the BJP government had demolished the “jhuggi” shelters, leaving the drivers with little support.
Traffic‑police enforcement was another hot topic. The owner of a rickshaw mentioned that the 511 auto stands the AAP built earlier are now subject to new fines. “The traffic police click pictures if you stand even slightly behind the halt‑and‑go area. The fine arrives at our address without any change—they do not tell us when it happened,” he complained.
Kejriwal wrapped up by wishing the auto‑driver brothers a happy Diwali and encouraging them to keep smiling and thriving. “May your families stay happy and prosperous,” he wrote on X, urging drivers to remember his longstanding support.
Source: aninews
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