Hyderabad: Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K.T. Rama Rao has accused Rahul Gandhi of betraying Telangana auto drivers by not fulfilling welfare promises made during the 2023 election campaign.
BRS leaders interact with auto drivers across Hyderabad
On Monday, BRS leaders travelled in auto-rickshaws across Hyderabad to hear from drivers directly. K.T. Rama Rao rode from Jubilee Hills check post to Telangana Bhavan in an auto driven by Mashrat Ali, who had also driven Rahul Gandhi during his campaign visit two years ago.
KTR said Gandhi had promised to set up a welfare board for auto drivers and provide ₹12,000 annually to each. “Two years later, not one of those assurances has materialised,” he said.
Driver who hosted Gandhi now forced to rent auto
KTR shared that Mashrat Ali was once the owner of two auto-rickshaws. He has now been forced to sell both and rents a vehicle for ₹400 per day. “Two years ago, Rahul Gandhi rode in Mashrat Ali’s auto and promised a better future. Today, Ali has sold both his vehicles and earns less than half his previous income,” KTR stated.
Quoting Ali, KTR added, “Sir, I was an owner then, today I am a driver. I used to earn ₹2,500 daily, now I barely make ₹1,000. Congress betrayed us.”
KTR blames Congress for rising distress among drivers
According to KTR, Ali’s situation reflects a larger crisis affecting Telangana auto drivers. He claimed that 161 drivers have taken their own lives due to continued government neglect. “Rahul Gandhi must wake up. It’s been two years since his 100-day promise,” KTR said.
He also accused the Congress leadership of moral hypocrisy. “Rahul Gandhi speaks of justice and equality but has failed to deliver even basic dignity to the very people he courted during his campaign.”
KTR demanded immediate implementation of the Auto Drivers’ Welfare Board and the promised ₹12,000 annual aid. “Words don’t feed families. Promises must be honoured. Telangana’s auto drivers deserve respect and relief, not deceit,” he said.
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