On the first day of the indefinite taxi strike led by the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), city commuters found themselves stranded at the airport and all major railway stations on Thursday. The taxi stands at both Sealdah and Howrah stations wore a deserted look. Unable to find any cabs, many passengers chose to travel by bus while others had to pay exorbitant amounts to private car drivers and auto rickshaws. In the last few weeks taxis have remained off the roads seven times.
There were allegations of agitating drivers vandalising some taxis that took to the streets despite the strike. CITU leaders, however, claimed to be unaware of any such development. Addressing a press conference, Shyamal Chakrabarty, CITU president in Bengal, asked is there was any evidence that All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) workers were not behind the attacks.
Mr. Chakrabarty described the strike as “100 per cent successful” and said it would continue until the State government resolves the issue through discussion. While admitting that the strike caused severe inconvenience he said it could have been avoided if “taxi fares were hiked.”
“Just weeks before Durga Puja, the State government has declared a war against taxi drivers,” said Mr. Chakrabarty.
Regarding the proposed transport strike on Friday, he claimed that government transport workers would take out a rally in the city in support of the strike.
