Sanjay Raut Opposes Bike Taxis in Maharashtra, Seeks Talks for Auto Drivers

The Shiv Sena (UBT) has opposed the Maharashtra state government's decision to allow bike taxi services through aggregators such as Ola, Uber, and Rapido, arguing the move compromises the livelihoods of lakhs of rickshaw drivers across the state.

Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has written to state transport minister Pratap Sarnaik, seeking an appointment so that representatives of auto drivers can brief him directly on their difficulties. In response, Sarnaik stated that he is prepared to meet Raut at his newspaper office or at his residence in Bhandup if the parliamentarian can spare the time.

Raut, who is the editor of the party mouthpiece Saamana, said many young and educated men depend on driving autorickshaws to support their families due to a lack of alternative employment opportunities.

In his letter, Raut argued that the state's decision risks pushing unemployed Marathi rickshaw drivers into severe financial distress. He also claimed that autorickshaw organisations had previously sought a meeting with Sarnaik but were turned down, and noted that permission for a planned protest march from Nashik to Mantralaya on August 10 was denied.

Raut further alleged that aggregator Rapido has business dealings with certain state ministers, claiming the company has sponsored Dahi Handi and Ganeshotsav celebrations along with other cultural events organised by ministers.

Sarnaik denied receiving any letter from Raut, maintaining that the Sena (UBT) leader does not need a formal appointment to meet. He questioned why the issue was being raised now, pointing out that the bike taxi decision was taken a year ago, and accused Raut of diverting attention rather than supporting the government on making Marathi mandatory for auto and taxi drivers.