IndiaPolitics
Factional rivalry over auto, taxi rules puts BJP, Congress in a spot
In Mumbai, a political clash between the two Shiv Sena factions over rules for auto and taxi drivers has made their alliance partners — BJP and Congress — cautious. The Shinde-led Sena has pushed a Marathi language rule for drivers, while the UBT faction opposes bike taxis.
MUMBAI: A political tussle between the two Shiv Sena factions over rules governing auto rickshaw and taxi drivers has put their larger alliance partners, the BJP and Congress, in a difficult position. The faction led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has brought in a compulsory Marathi language rule for auto and taxi drivers, while the Uddhav Thackeray-led Sena (UBT) has opposed the introduction of bike taxis.
Political observers say the auto and taxi driver segment has become a new battleground for the two Sena factions as they seek to score political points. Both BJP and Congress are described as wary and trying to strike a balance.
The BJP, which reportedly draws support from migrant auto and taxi drivers, is said to be upset by the compulsory Marathi diktat and the push for bike taxis, as these measures hit the traditional auto and taxi trade. According to observers, the Shinde Sena's Marathi rule appears aimed at countering the Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) on the "Marathi manoos" (Marathi person) plank, an issue that had earlier dented support for the Shinde faction.
IndiaPolitics
Factional rivalry over auto, taxi rules puts BJP, Congress in a spot
In Mumbai, a political clash between the two Shiv Sena factions over rules for auto and taxi drivers has made their alliance partners — BJP and Congress — cautious. The Shinde-led Sena has pushed a Marathi language rule for drivers, while the UBT faction opposes bike taxis.
MUMBAI: A political tussle between the two Shiv Sena factions over rules governing auto rickshaw and taxi drivers has put their larger alliance partners, the BJP and Congress, in a difficult position. The faction led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has brought in a compulsory Marathi language rule for auto and taxi drivers, while the Uddhav Thackeray-led Sena (UBT) has opposed the introduction of bike taxis.
Political observers say the auto and taxi driver segment has become a new battleground for the two Sena factions as they seek to score political points. Both BJP and Congress are described as wary and trying to strike a balance.
The BJP, which reportedly draws support from migrant auto and taxi drivers, is said to be upset by the compulsory Marathi diktat and the push for bike taxis, as these measures hit the traditional auto and taxi trade. According to observers, the Shinde Sena's Marathi rule appears aimed at countering the Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) on the "Marathi manoos" (Marathi person) plank, an issue that had earlier dented support for the Shinde faction.