Kejriwal fights for auto drivers, but what about 'aam' commuters?

The Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is all set to take up the fight of auto rickshaw drivers and protect them from corruption at the hands of Delhi police. According to a Hindustan Times report today, the Kejriwal government wants to withdraw the Delhi Police’s power to fine autorickshaw drivers who refuse to carry passengers. The AAP government’s move may impress the auto rickshaw drivers, but it is likely to give Delhi commuters, who are already at the mercy of non meter abiding auto rickshaw drivers, a hard time. [caption id=“attachment_1325177” align=“alignright” width=“380”] Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. AFP[/caption] Kejriwal has held meetings with senior transport department officials to work out the modalities for the change. Following a Supreme Court order a few days ago, the Delhi police launched various helplines for commuters to register their complaints. And this is quite a saviour for Delhi commuters who often rely on the police when auto drivers overcharge or refuse to go to certain locations. But if Kejriwal has his way, it could once again cause inconvenience to commuters. In a letter to auto rickshaw drivers before the Delhi elections, Kejriwal had wrote, “A driver buys an auto after a wait of many years and spending lakhs of rupees. However, traffic policemen apply 66/192 Act at their whim. Three punishments for one offense—stop the auto, pay fines and then no driving for 10 days. The office at Burari has become thoroughly corrupt with officers who can be described as financiers and brokers.” Kejriwal had told the drivers that they will be paid by meter for the waiting time, the confiscation of auto will be completely banned and there will be no penalty for refusal while returning home in the evening or in case of emergency. So, why the support for auto rickshaw drivers? The Aam Aadmi Party had received massive support from auto drivers, not only in terms of votes but also through aggressive campaigning by many of them. Kejriwal has made several promises which the unions are now pressing for. But, shouldn’t the chief minister spare a thought for the ‘Aam aadmi’ commuters too?