Bengaluru, 20 June

A group of 110 bike taxi riders from Namma Bike Taxi Association met State Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao and Dasarahalli MLA S Muniraju on Thursday, urging the government to reverse its crackdown on bike taxis.

Representing tens of thousands of bike taxi riders across the State, the delegation submitted a petition demanding legal recognition of bike taxis and a clear policy framework to end ongoing harassment and confusion.

The meeting follows a series of open letters addressed to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, and MP Rahul Gandhi, none of which received a response.

Notably, the same Congress government passed a Gig Worker Welfare Bill just last month, while simultaneously dismantling a sector that offers flexible income to thousands.

Drivers also raised alarm over growing intimidation by auto unions. One auto union leader has publicly urged members to prevent bike taxi protests and has even targeted figures like Mohandas Pai for speaking in support.

Namma Bike Taxi Association President Mohammed Salim was denied permission to protest at Freedom Park, allegedly under pressure from these groups.

Salim said, "My phone won't stop ringing--250 to 300 drivers call me every day, asking for help. And I don't know what to tell them. Should we lose our livelihoods because the government has no policy for bike taxis? We need regulation, not a ban.”

A 37-year old rider, said, "I've borrowed twice already this month. My daughter's school is asking for fees, and I have nothing left."

Another 26-year-old rider, who rides for Ola and Uber, added, "Delivery partners can use the same bike to deliver food--but I get fined for giving someone a ride. Where's the logic in that?"

Commuters also slammed the government's decision.

Sneha, 19, a college student, said, "Auto fares are through the roof. I used to pay Rs 50 on a bike taxi--now autos charge Rs 100 to Rs 150 for the same distance."

Bala, 31, daily commuter, said, "Why ban something without asking citizens first?"