Auto drivers turn campaigners to double earnings

If you notice a sudden shortage of autorickshaws on the suburban streets, blame it on the elections.The drivers might just be busy carrying placards and shouting slogans for a candidate.And why not, when they are getting double of what they earn a day. Auto drivers are paid Rs400 a day -- almost double the amount they take home plying their autorickshaws.If members of autorickshaw community are to be believed, then quite a considerable number among then have kept parked their autos and are shouting slogans for political parties. “It’s a short-term opportunity to earn a quick buck without working too hard for it,” said Rajesh Gaud, a Andheri-based auto driver. Gaud claims to be working for a local Congress candidate for the past one week and accompanies him in his campaigning along with a dozen of his other auto driver friends.Aslam Sheikh, an auto driver from Nehru Nagar slum at Vile Parle, also lends his autorickshaw for campaigning. “Apart from campaigning, I lend my autorickshaw for which I get Rs700 a day.” Campaigning for the politicians during elections is big business as the parties go all out and loosen their purse strings. “We are in demand during his period. I know that the same candidate for whom I am campaigning for will not even entertain me if he wins,” said Suresh Yadav, an auto driver.