Auto strike in Ahmedabad gets mixed response

The auto rickshaw strike in the city received mixed response on Tuesday.

While the strike was effectively observed and implemented in certain localities of the city, some others were visibly unaffected by the strike.

Areas such as SG Highway, Bapunagar, Vastrapur and Gurukul, among others, were majorly affected by the auto rickshaws going off the roads. On the other hand, the strike received only lukewarm response in some other areas like Parimal Garden, Lal Darwaza and Jamalpur.

While most auto rickshaw drivers observed the strike, some of them used the occasion to earn extra bucks. As a result, incidents of clashes were reported in some areas, such as Bapunagar and Shyamal cross roads.

“A majority of the rickshaws are off the road, but some drivers are not supporting the cause,” said Sanjay Dantani, an auto rickshaw driver supporting the strike. It was ‘business as usual’ for several hired auto rickshaws, who could not afford to lose out on business and be unable to pay their daily rent.

Those who rely on auto rickshaws for daily commuting were in for a spot of trouble. Jayant Pathak, employed with a private company, had to take a lift from his colleague to reach office in the morning. “Due to health problems, I avoid driving. But the rickshaw drivers refused me a ride today, citing the three-day strike. I had no option but to take a favour from a co-worker,” he said.

Harihar Mishra, president of the Auto Rickshaw Chalak Sangharsh Samiti, claimed that around 80% auto rickshaw drivers supported them in this three-day strike demanding rollback of CNG prices. “Adani Gas has increased gas prices by around Rs4.15 per kg over six months, although gradually. The last hike of Rs2.09 per kg is a big blow for us,” he said.