Shakti scheme protest: Auto drivers, private bus owners to hold strike on July 27

The Siddaramaiah government followed its poll promise and implemented the “Shakthi Scheme” which guaranteed free bus travel for women who are permanent residents of Karnataka provided they can furnish a valid government identity card. This has however led to a series of complications as well. 

Chief among them is the discontentment among the auto drivers and taxi drivers complaining about diminishing returns ever since this scheme was brought in place. It is under these circumstances that they have decided to hit the streets in demonstrations against the state government. These are scheduled to take place next thursday, that is on the 27th of July. Citizens would not be able to avail of cab and auto services on that day. Along with the “Shakthi Scheme”, they are also registering their dissent towards the free clearance given to 2 wheeler services and the usage of white board vehicles as commercial  vehicles. 23 organisations have come together to lend support for this protest.At 11 A.M on the 27th of July, a rally is being planned that starts from the Krantiveera Sangoli Raayana Bengaluru City Railway Station to the Freedom Park. The numbers for this protest is estimated to be in the 1000s.