Maharashtra Cab and Auto Drivers to Collect Donations for Transport Minister’s ‘Pro Govinda 2026’ Sponsorship, Protest Against Ola-Uber-Rapido
Maharashtra Cab and Auto Drivers to Collect Donations for Transport Minister’s ‘Pro Govinda 2026’ Sponsorship, Protest Against Ola-Uber-Rapido
Mumbai: In a unique form of protest, cab and auto-rickshaw drivers across Maharashtra have decided to collect donations and offer sponsorship for Transport Minister’s Pro Govinda 2026 event. The move comes as a symbolic opposition to the alleged favoritism shown towards ride-hailing companies such as Ola, Uber, and Rapido.
According to Dr. Keshav Nana Khirsagar, President of the Indian Gig Workers Forum, drivers will “beg and collect money” to sponsor the minister’s event so that he will no longer need sponsorships from companies that, despite FIRs against them, continue to operate freely while flouting state orders.
The drivers’ union alleges that Rapido, Ola, and Uber have secured provisional licenses for e-bike taxis even after FIRs were lodged against them and continue to operate private two-wheelers with white number plates for commercial use, without any action from the Transport Department. They further claim that these companies refuse to display government-approved fare rates on their mobile applications, despite repeated instructions.
The protesting drivers hope that by sponsoring the minister’s event, the Transport Department will finally enforce the law against these companies.
On September 30, a massive protest rally will be held at Azad Maidan, where all collected donations will be handed over to the Transport Department as part of this movement.
