Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (FD/JD)

Udupi. Mar 17: Members of the Auto Drivers and Owners Association in Udupi have complained about partiality and denial of entry to certain auto stands in the city by fellow union members.

Speaking at a press meet at the Press Club on Friday, Jayanth Suvarna, president of the Auto Drivers and Owners Association, said, "We have been denied the opportunity to operate from a few auto stands in the city due to the ongoing ruckus between our unions. In some instances, we have also been assaulted by members of other unions, and our auto keys have been damaged. Although we have brought this issue to the attention of the MLA, we have not received any justice. All of our daily earnings are spent on household expenses, children's education, and fuel for our autos. In contrast, all autos are permitted to operate from any auto stand in Manipal, Mangalore, and Malpe, but we don't have this privilege in Udupi. We are not allowed to operate from some of the most critical auto stands in the city, such as the Service Bus Stand, City Bus Stand, and Old Taluk Office. By rotating autos, we can improve our financial condition. Our association has 380 auto drivers, while there are nearly 5 other auto drivers' associations. However, the members of our association have been denied permission. We are requesting an opportunity to earn our livelihood."

"The matter was presented to the Karnataka High Court and the Transport Authority, and in both cases, they stated that any auto with a Zone-1 permit can operate from any auto stand within the city limits," he added.

Vittal Jatthan, a senior member of the association, said, "We are unable to earn our livelihood due to this issue, and political interference is also a problem. We are urging the District Commissioner and Deputy District Commissioner to resolve this issue. We can convince rickshaw drivers, but we cannot convince politicians."

During the press meet, association members Divaker Poojary, Rajesh Suvarna, and Shivananda Shettigar were present. The auto drivers have also threatened to boycott votes and protest severely if the issue is not resolved within 10 days.