Maharashtra: Sarnaik Challenges Raut To Prove Rapido Funding Allegations
The minister said the decision to permit bike taxis would create new employment opportunities for thousands of young people in Maharashtra: Pratap Sarnaik
Mumbai: Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik on Wednesday challenged Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Raut to substantiate his allegations that State ministers have financial ties with bike-taxi aggregator Rapido. In a letter to Mr. Raut, Mr. Sarnaik questioned his “sudden concern” for autorickshaw drivers, while saying their livelihood concerns could be discussed.
Mr. Raut, who has opposed the operation of bike taxis in Maharashtra, alleged in a letter dated August 25 that Rapido had sponsored Dahi Handi, Ganesh festival and cultural events organised by some ministers, allegedly spending crores of rupees. He also alleged that the company had provided election funds to some ministers and, in return, was being allowed to operate bike-taxi services at the expense of traditional autorickshaw drivers.
Mr. Raut warned that the government’s decision could threaten the livelihoods of thousands of autorickshaw drivers.
Responding to the allegations, Mr. Sarnaik said, “Your allegations are serious. Instead of giving them a political colour, you should present concrete documents, evidence and facts in support of them.”
The transport minister said the decision to permit bike taxis would create new employment opportunities for thousands of young people in Maharashtra. At the same time, he acknowledged that protecting the livelihoods and providing social security to traditional autorickshaw drivers remained the government’s responsibility.
“Today, a passenger books a taxi through a mobile phone; tomorrow, the passenger may book a bike taxi. However, protecting the livelihood of traditional autorickshaw drivers, providing them social security and strengthening their business is also the government’s responsibility. Both these wheels will have to move together,” he said.
Mr. Sarnaik also said no company, including Rapido, would be allowed to operate above government rules. “Rapido or any other company is not bigger than the government. No company will be given a position above the rules,” he said.
Responding to Mr. Raut’s reference to Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s past as an autorickshaw driver, Mr. Sarnaik said a person who had worked as an autorickshaw driver could rise to become a Chief Minister or Transport Minister.
“Therefore, we certainly have the sensitivity while taking decisions in the interests of autorickshaw drivers,” the minister said.
On Mr. Raut’s proposal to meet a delegation of the Autorickshaw Chalak Sangharsh Samiti, Mr. Sarnaik said he was ready for discussions and even suggested the Shiv Sena (UBT) mouthpiece Saamana’s office as a possible venue.
Taking a swipe at Mr. Raut, Mr. Sarnaik said that while discussing the issues of autorickshaw drivers, the “political horn” should be kept low and the “meter of facts” should be kept high. “The government’s meter on the issues of autorickshaw drivers is not switched off, nor is it ‘free’ for any company. The rules are the same for everyone, and the Transport Department is committed to protecting the interests of autorickshaw drivers,” he said.
