Assam Cab Associations Demand Apology from Chief Minister Over Controversial Remarks

Cab Drivers Express Outrage Over Chief Minister's Comments

Guwahati, Aug 17: On Sunday, three cab associations in Assam expressed strong discontent regarding Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s remarks made during his Independence Day address, where he referred to cab drivers as 'unknown persons.'

The All Assam Cab Operators’ Union, Sadou Asom Cab Mazdoor Sangha, and All Guwahati Cab Drivers’ Union collectively condemned the statement, claiming it undermined the dignity and identity of cab drivers.

Bishnu Das from the All Assam Cab Operators’ Union stated at a press conference in Dispur, Guwahati, 'The Chief Minister has stripped us of our dignity in the eyes of society. Now, every citizen will view cab drivers with suspicion.'

Das emphasized that they are local residents and expressed that the Chief Minister’s comments were deeply offensive. 'His words suggest that cab drivers are outsiders or even Bangladeshis. Such statements must be retracted,' he insisted.

The associations warned of potential protests if their request is not met. 'Should the Chief Minister refuse to take back his comments, we will organize a sit-in this month and initiate a 48-hour chakka bandh across Assam, involving not just cab drivers but all transport workers,' they announced.

If the situation remains unresolved, the unions threatened to escalate their protests to Jantar Mantar in Delhi, collaborating with transport unions from 26 states.

Additionally, the unions criticized the Transport Department, labeling it as Assam’s 'highest revenue-generating but most unstable department,' and highlighted its duty to ensure the cab business remains free from infiltration.

'If there are unknown individuals in the cab sector, the Transport Department is accountable, as it issues all necessary permits and documentation,' the leaders stated.

Cab drivers shared their struggles, mentioning difficulties with loan repayments and family obligations, asserting they cannot be depicted as criminals or outsiders.

The unions urged Chief Minister Sarma to retract his remarks from August 15 and restore the dignity of Assam’s cab drivers.

During his Independence Day speech in Guwahati, the Chief Minister had commented on demographic changes in the state, stating, 'The cab drivers are mostly unknown people. Where did they come from?' However, he did not clarify who these 'unknown people' were.