Archive · 26 Aug 2026
Sarnaik Rebuts Raut’s Auto-Driver Criticism Over Bike Taxis
Sanjay Raut raised concerns about allowing app-based bike taxis.
He reminded people that Eknath Shinde once worked as an auto-rickshaw driver.
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik replied that an auto driver can rise to become a chief minister or transport minister.
Sarnaik said this means the government understands auto drivers’ concerns.
He said those concerns can be discussed.
However, he argued that the government cannot stop every new type of transport.
Sarnaik also rejected Raut’s claims about financial links involving ministers and Rapido.
He asked Raut to show documents and evidence for those claims.
Sanjay Raut criticized the government’s decision to allow app-based bike taxi services.
Raut referred to Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s past as an auto-rickshaw driver.
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said an auto driver can become chief minister or transport minister.
Sarnaik said auto drivers’ concerns could be discussed but new transport options could not be stopped.
Sarnaik challenged Raut to provide documents supporting allegations of financial links between ministers and Rapido.
- Who
- Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik.
- What
- A political exchange over app-based bike taxis, auto drivers’ interests, and allegations of financial links between ministers and Rapido.
- Why
- Raut questioned the decision to allow bike taxis and raised concerns about auto drivers; Sarnaik defended the government’s approach and challenged Raut’s allegations.
Raut’s Concerns
Sarnaik’s Response
App-based bike taxis
Raut’s Concerns
Raut expressed concerns about the government allowing app-based bike taxi services and invoked the interests of auto drivers.
Sarnaik’s Response
Sarnaik said auto drivers’ concerns could be discussed, but the government could not stop new forms of transport.
Political sensitivity toward auto drivers
Raut’s Concerns
Raut pointed to Eknath Shinde’s background as an auto-rickshaw driver while questioning the government’s approach.
Sarnaik’s Response
Sarnaik said an auto driver can become chief minister or transport minister, arguing that sensitivity toward auto drivers is already present.
Financial links with Rapido
Raut’s Concerns
Raut alleged financial links between ministers and Rapido.
Sarnaik’s Response
Sarnaik rejected the claim and asked Raut to produce documents and evidence.
- Issue
- Government approval of app-based bike taxi services
- Raut’s reference
- Eknath Shinde’s past as an auto-rickshaw driver
- Sarnaik’s position
- Auto drivers’ concerns can be discussed, but new transport options cannot be stopped
- Political roles
- Eknath Shinde is deputy chief minister; Pratap Sarnaik is transport minister
- Allegation
- Sanjay Raut claimed financial links between ministers and Rapido
- Sarnaik’s demand
- Documents and evidence supporting the allegation