At the Mayur Vihar TSR (Three-Seater Rickshaw) stand, about ten auto-rickshaws wait idly for passengers. The drivers, standing in small groups, engage in casual conversations, occasionally glancing around for potential customers.
When asked about the Delhi elections, their response is unanimous: “Kejriwal will win again.”
Out of nearly 30 drivers at this stand, the majority support the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Their opinions echo the same sentiment—relief over free electricity and water, but frustration over declining earnings.
Hashimullah, an elderly auto driver, reflects on the struggles of his profession. “Driving an auto has become harder over the years. We don’t earn as much as before, but when it comes to voting, we have always supported Kejriwal and will continue to do so,” he says with conviction.
Dinesh Pal, another driver, nods in agreement. His earnings for the day are discouraging—after two hours on the road, he has made only ₹60. “Income has dropped, and inflation is making things worse. It’s tough, but at least free electricity and water provide some relief,” he says.
Dinesh, originally from Bihar, has been driving an auto in Delhi for two decades. He believes these are the most challenging times he has faced in terms of earnings.
Just then, Devi Lal Yadav pulls his auto over and joins the conversation. “Don’t even ask about our condition! I have been driving since morning but barely earned ₹400,” he says, exasperated.
Unlike many others, Devi Lal, who voted for AAP in the last two elections, has changed his stance. “Ten years is enough to judge a government. Kejriwal has not lived up to my expectations,” he says.
Another driver, who had remained silent until now, suddenly speaks up: “Honestly, even I’m reconsidering my vote this time.”
The Influence of Auto Drivers in Delhi Elections
Delhi has a cap of one lakh three-wheeler auto-rickshaws, as per the Supreme Court’s directive. Many autos operate in shifts, with different drivers taking turns.
With nearly 1.5 lakh auto drivers in the city, their families and dependents add up to roughly 5-6 lakh votes. However, their influence extends beyond numbers. The yellow-and-green autos are not just a mode of transport but also a powerful medium of political messaging.
In past elections, auto drivers have openly supported AAP. During its rise in Delhi, the party found strong backing from this community. Autos frequently displayed posters of Arvind Kejriwal and the party’s symbol—the broom.
AAP, in turn, made efforts to keep auto drivers in their fold. The party even established a dedicated auto wing and ensured that drivers were mentioned in leaders’ speeches. During the campaign for this election, Kejriwal dined at an auto driver’s home, reinforcing his connection with them.
The general perception is that auto drivers remain loyal to AAP, but is this loyalty beginning to waver?
A Changing Sentiment Among Auto Drivers?
The perception of unwavering support for AAP weakens as one moves to other auto stands. At the Nehru Enclave Metro Station stand, drivers are openly critical of the party. Among them is Chandu Chaurasia from the Capital Drivers Welfare Association.
“When AAP first came to power, we were excited. We thought they were one of us and would bring real change. But our hopes were dashed,” Chaurasia says.
Although he personally remains a supporter, he acknowledges that most of his fellow drivers are now against AAP. “I can’t go against the majority,” he admits.
The reasons for this discontent are clear—traffic congestion, illegal parking, and competition from e-rickshaws and bike taxis, which have significantly reduced their earnings.
“Earlier, passengers had no option but to take an auto. Now, shared rides go to e-rickshaws, and solo riders prefer bike taxis. It’s a daily struggle to make ends meet,” says Chaurasia.
The Rise of Bike Taxis and Declining Auto Earnings
Several app-based companies now offer bike taxi services in Delhi. Unlike autos, these bikes do not require commercial registration, meaning anyone with a valid driving license can operate them. Though the Delhi government banned private bike taxis in May 2023, their presence remains significant, with an estimated 70,000-80,000 still operating.
Auto drivers feel that bike taxis have snatched away their passengers. Hari Prasad, a driver at Nehru Enclave Metro Station, explains the impact. “Shared rides go to e-rickshaws, single passengers take bike taxis, and we are left struggling to make even ₹500 a day.”
Prasad, originally from Aligarh, is frustrated with poor roads and frequent traffic jams. “We don’t need freebies. We are not beggars. Just give us good roads, quality schools for our children, and free healthcare,” he demands.
Disillusionment and Desperation
At New Delhi Railway Station, opinions are divided. Many drivers express disappointment with AAP’s governance. One driver, speaking anonymously, vents his frustration: “We helped Kejriwal win. We used our autos for his campaign. But now, we can’t even feed our families. Women now travel free on DTC buses, so our female passengers have vanished.”
AAP’s policy of free bus travel for women has hurt auto drivers’ business. Some are vocal critics, while others, despite their struggles, remain loyal.
As one driver wryly comments, “Say what you want, but Kejriwal will win again.”
The Struggle of Auto Drivers
Murari, an auto driver near New Delhi Railway Station, counts his earnings for the day—less than ₹400. Half of it has already gone toward fuel and food.
Murari has been in Delhi for 22 years, driving a rented auto. He once owned his own vehicle but lost it after failing to pay installments. His family of five lives in a cramped rented room. His wife supports the household by working as a tailor. Their son, once a karate champion, had to quit school and work at a shop.
Murari’s daughter, a college student, struggles to study due to a lack of internet access and books. “We auto drivers can barely meet our daily needs, let alone fulfill our children’s dreams,” he says.
Political Promises vs. Reality
AAP, BJP, and Congress have all promised benefits for auto drivers. AAP has pledged insurance coverage, financial aid for daughters’ weddings, and free coaching for children. BJP has promised an Auto Welfare Board, while Congress has focused on youth employment and financial assistance.
But Murari remains skeptical. “Kejriwal, Modi, or any other leader—they all need to think about people like us. We leave our homes, come to Delhi to earn, live in rented rooms, and struggle every day. Why is our condition still the same?”
As election promises fill the air, auto drivers like Murari wonder if any of these commitments will ever translate into real change.
