Bike taxi ban in Karnataka: Riders hold hunger protest, write open letter to CM
Bengaluru, June 29 (PTI): Members of the Bike Taxi Welfare Association staged a hunger protest on Sunday, demanding to lift the ban on bike taxis in Karnataka and calling for an inclusive policy framework. They have also written an open letter to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
According to the association, protests were held in Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mandya, Davangere, and Ramanagara, with several bike taxi riders participating.
App-based bike taxi services were suspended across Karnataka on June 16 after the Karnataka High Court refused to stay an earlier order suspending such operations unless the state government notifies relevant guidelines under the Motor Vehicles Act.
A division bench of the High Court, on June 13, had declined to stay the April 2 order given by a single judge, which directed bike taxi operators to stop services within six weeks. This deadline was later extended to June 15.
"Sir, we, who ride through rain and sun to serve Karnataka, are writing this letter not out of anger but out of desperation. For many of us, this work is the only thing standing between dignity and destitution," the association’s letter to the Chief Minister stated.
The association said many riders have been left without work or alternatives, pushing them into extreme hardship. Some members have even been forced to beg on the streets to feed their families.
"In a final plea to be heard, we are now preparing to go on an indefinite hunger strike if our voices continue to be ignored. This is not out of protest, but sheer helplessness—hoping someone will listen before it’s too late," they added.
Nearly 80 per cent of the riders are local Kannadigas from modest backgrounds, the association said.
"We are students, single mothers, homemakers, and former migrant workers who have returned to our home state to work and contribute meaningfully. The flexibility this work offers has empowered lakhs, especially in areas where other livelihood options are limited."
The association also expressed frustration over what they called unequal treatment of their profession. While two-wheelers are allowed for food and parcel delivery under white number plates, those providing passenger rides on similar vehicles face penalties and harassment, they said.
"Both jobs are part of the gig economy, governed by the same Motor Vehicles Act. This inconsistency feels unjust and discriminatory. We ask only for equal treatment under a clear, inclusive policy framework. We are ready to comply with all guidelines, but we seek clarity, dignity, and the right to earn a livelihood," the letter read.
Bike taxis have become essential for commuters who rely on them for affordable and reliable last-mile transport, the association pointed out.
The bike taxis are essential for commuters who rely on them daily for affordable and reliable last-mile transport, it added.
"Sir, we are not asking for favours. We are asking to be heard. A policy shaped with our voices included will be grounded in reality, sustainable in implementation, and fair to all stakeholders—the government, platforms, riders, and the people of Karnataka," the open letter to Siddaramaiah stated.
Over the past 7-8 years, bike taxis have become a vital part of the transport ecosystem, especially in densely populated cities like Bengaluru and in Tier-2 and Tier-3 towns such as Mysuru, Hubballi, Belagavi, and Ballari, the association noted.
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Rahul authenticates article on ex-army chief's 'memoir' on India-China conflict; LS impasse remains
New Delhi (PTI): Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday authenticated a copy of an article in the Lok Sabha which cited former army chief M M Naravane's unpublished 'memoir' but it failed to end the impasse over the matter, leading to a brief adjournment.
With Gandhi insisting on raising the issue in the Lok Sabha, Chair Krishna Prasad Tenneti moved on to other Speakers and asked Harish Balayogi of the TDP, an NDA constituent, to speak on the President's address after three opposition MPs refused to speak, showing solidarity with Gandhi.
As Balayogi spoke, opposition MPs raised slogans and the ruckus continued in the House, prompting the chair to adjourn it till 3 PM.
Tenneti asked Congress MP KC Venugopal to address the chair properly and not make any casual references to the chair.
As soon as Gandhi was asked to speak on the Motion of Thanks to the President's address, he cited the Speaker's ruling of Monday and authenticated the copy of the article.
"I have authenticated it," he said.
To authenticate a document, a member has to submit a signed copy of it affirming that it is correct to the best of his knowledge.
Tenneti, who was chairing the House, asked him to table it and said "we will examine it and get back".
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the Speaker passed a ruling on the matter and after that Gandhi should not raise the issue repeatedly.
Gandhi insisted that he is the Leader of Opposition and takes objection to the term 'permission' when he has to speak.
As the impasse continued over Gandhi seeking to quote the article, Tenneti adjourned the proceedings till 3 pm.
A row had erupted in the Lok Sabha on Monday when Gandhi sought to quote from an unpublished 'memoir' of the former army chief on the 2020 India-China conflict, but faced strong opposition from Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and other BJP members who accused the Congress leader of misleading the House.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla disallowed Gandhi from raising the issue, but he did not relent and several opposition leaders also rallied behind him. The House was adjourned twice and later for the day amid uproar as heated exchanges took place between the treasury and opposition benches.
Our President’s Address was about the path that India has to chart and the direction in which India has to move.
— Congress (@INCIndia) February 3, 2026
Today, on the world stage, the main issue in international affairs is the conflict between China and the United States.
This is central to our President’s Address.… pic.twitter.com/JJbMDF9ZsS
