Targeting Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari due to his alleged “inaction” in lifting the ban on e-rickshaws in the national Capital, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convener Arvind Kejriwal is all set to address a mega rally of e-rickshaw drivers at Jantar Mantar on Wednesday morning.
“E-rickshaw drivers have been facing injustice due to the negligence of successive Central Governments since the last eight months. Though the BJP’s Central Government has been forced to issue a notification for legalising e-rickshaws and the AAP views it as the first step in this direction, a lot more needs to be done before the e-rickshaws can actually start plying again on Delhi roads,” said the party in a statement.
The fledgling party also alleged that the notification has many severe shortcomings and unless amended, it hardly provides any relief to the existing e-rickshaws, which were banned by the Delhi High Court in August. “AAP demands amendments in notification, fees of Rs 5 lakh to be charged for registration of e-rickshaws be waived and norms for regularisation simplified,” the party added.
“It is strange that the Union Surface Transport Minister, Nitin Gadkari, who has made tall promises to the e-rickshaw drivers at the Ramlila Maidan on June 17, is now silent on the several missed deadlines and promises of his Government. The AAP will continue the struggle with the e-rickshaw drivers till these poor people get back their right to earn a livelihood,” said a senior party member.