Bandh flops, autos sting

Bandh flops, autos sting

The Left’s Bharat bandh drew a tepid response in the city, but striking autos marred the day for office-goers and tourists

By Bangalore Mirrsor Bureau
Posted On Thursday, August 21, 2008
Wednesday’s bandh, part of the nationwide protest called by the Left parties against rising inflation and the policies of the UPA government, drew a lukewarm response in the city. However, the auto strike called by different unions affected hundreds of commuters and visitors.

The auto unions were protesting against the transfer of permits to new autos and demanding ration cards for auto drivers.
Visitors to the city were stranded at the City railway station and the Majestic bus terminus, even as some auto drivers exploited the situation by demanding exorbitant fares. A tourist from Germany told Bangalore Mirror, “Some autos refused to take me to my hotel while some others demanded much more than the rate mentioned in my tourist guide. There was nobody at the railway station to tell us about alternative transport. However, some passengers at the station guided us to the bus stand.”

Aparna C, a media executive from Jayanagar, said autos were plying but refused to pick up passengers. “I was really confused. Those who were ready to pick up passengers were demanding much more, pointing to the strike.”

H G Srinivasmurthy, working president, Autoricksaw Drivers’ Union, said the union had submitted a list of demands, including housing, welfare and insurance schemes for auto drivers, to the government.

Apart from the auto strike, the bandh called by the Left parties had a poor response. Government offices, commercial establishments and educational institutions remained open.