They shouted slogans demanding proper parking places for their vehicles and also sand praises of TMC chief, Mamata Banerjee.
Talking to reporters later, Amar Moktan
of the Dharamshala Taxi Operator Welfare Society said his syndicate has
quit the JCM and started supporting the TMC-backed Kurseong Drivers’
Union.
“We are dissatisfied with the role
played by the JCM on the issue of the new traffic setup in Kurseong. We
had always supported the Mahasang, but it did nothing in our favour when
it met the sub-divisional officer. They sidelined out grievances and
problems during the meeting,” Moktan claimed.
He added only a few selected syndicates
were able to obtain proper parking places for their vehicles under the
initiative of the Mahasangh, while several other drivers and
associations were neglected.
“Hence, keeping in mind our livelihood
and families, we are now seeking help from any party that understands
our plight. Fortunately, the TMC came to our rescue following our
request and we have been provided with proper parking places by the
administration within two days,” claimed Moktan.
Meantime, Karuna Gurung said, “We are
ready to fight against any atrocities wrought upon common working people
as Mamata Banerjee herself says nobody should remain hungry and
everybody must be given the right to self-employment to sustain a proper
livelihood. Therefore, the rally we took out is not politically
oriented, but to demand for the right of the common man for a decent
livelihood.”
Janmukti Chalak Mahasangh secretary
Subash Pradhan said the TMC is playing dirty politics over the issue
with the help of a few selfish drivers. He added his organisation has
always given paramount importance to the interest of the drivers and the
public.(EOIC)