Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has extended full support to Karnataka’s bike taxi riders, assuring them that their livelihoods will be safeguarded through a clear policy framework enabling operations in the state.
A delegation from the Karnataka Bike Taxi Welfare Association (BTA) met Gandhi at the Parliament complex to discuss the suspension of bike taxi services, which has left more than six lakh riders without income. The riders highlighted severe financial hardships, including difficulties in paying school fees, house rent, and vehicle EMIs, forcing many to shift to irregular delivery jobs with lower earnings, rising debts, and growing emotional stress.
Gandhi assured the delegation that he had already spoken with the Chief Minister and Transport Minister of Karnataka, instructing Congress leadership in the state to urgently address the issue. He emphasised that “the livelihoods of lakhs of riders cannot be left in limbo; their right to work with dignity must be protected.”
Senior Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi also met the delegation, expressing solidarity and committing full support to the riders.
The Association presented its policy proposals, citing best practices from 17 states where bike taxis are regulated, and recommended adoption of the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines 2025 issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, which outline a framework for safe and legal operations.
Gandhi also spoke directly with Karnataka’s transport minister in the presence of BTA members, assuring that steps toward framing a bike taxi policy would be taken at the earliest.
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