Auto drivers to become Kejri’s voice in election campaigning

Tribune News Service

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New Delhi, August 17

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) announced the launch of ‘Auto Samvad’ campaign that is set to begin on August 20, aimed at rallying auto drivers to serve as representatives for Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections.

The campaign will see auto drivers across the city engaging with the public at auto stands, spreading awareness about the work done by the AAP government and highlighting what the AAP describes as a “conspiracy” by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to hinder Delhi’s progress.

Samvad abhiyan to begin on Aug 20

The campaign will see auto drivers across the city engaging with the public at auto stands, spreading awareness about the work done by the AAP government

During a state-level meeting of the AAP’s Auto Wing, Delhi state convenor and Cabinet Minister Gopal Rai announced the campaign, which will be coordinated by a 14-member committee. “Auto drivers will become the voice of Arvind Kejriwal, conveying to the people the work our government has done and exposing the BJP’s efforts to stop Delhi’s development,” Rai said.

“Even in jail, CM Arvind Kejriwal is concerned about his family of auto drivers,” Rai said. He pointed to the support Kejriwal’s government has extended to the auto drivers, particularly during the Covid pandemic. “The Kejriwal government was the only one in the country to provide financial assistance of Rs 5,000 twice to the auto drivers during the pandemic,” Rai noted.

In the meeting, Gopal Rai reiterated that the upcoming election would be a contest between continuing the work done by the Kejriwal government and the BJP’s attempts to derail it.

“If Kejriwal goes, then electricity, water, schools and hospitals will also go. You will be charged double the price for the facilities being provided free of cost,” Rai warned, urging the auto drivers to support Kejriwal in his time of need.

Rai also highlighted the benefits that were provided to the auto drivers over the years, including the construction of 511 auto stands and the reduction of fees for various permits and services. “Auto drivers in Delhi have gained respect and dignity under the AAP government, something no previous administration has given them,” he added.

The meeting also featured other leaders from the Auto Wing, including Gaurav Singh, the wing’s in-charge, and Haider Ali, its president. They echoed Rai’s sentiments and emphasised the importance of the ‘Auto Samvad’ campaign in the upcoming elections.

Meanwhile, Delhi BJP president accused Kejriwal of making false promises to the auto drivers during his electoral campaigns from 2013 to 2020. “Kejriwal, who won three elections by making the auto drivers his brand ambassadors, has failed to address their pressing issues,”

Sachdeva criticised the timing of the ‘Auto Samvad’ campaign, suggesting it was a pre-election ploy. “As elections approach, the AAP leaders suddenly remember the auto drivers,” he said. “Auto drivers now feel deceived and will not fall for these election-time promises,” he added.