Nagpur Auto Drivers See Surge in Business as Parties Hire Them to Ferry Voters
Autorickshaw operators across Nagpur witnessed a significant boost in business on Thursday's polling day. Major political parties actively hired these three-wheelers to transport voters to and from polling booths. This organized effort aimed to maximize voter turnout, particularly in densely populated and congested localities.
Early Morning Activity and Strategic Planning
From the early hours of the morning, autos filled with voters were seen making multiple trips between residential areas and polling stations. The practice was especially noticeable in areas such as Tajbagh and Mominpura. Candidates and their supporters left little to chance in mobilizing voters.
Party workers had stationed autorickshaws at strategic locations even before polling began. Drivers received clear instructions about specific households from which to pick up voters. They were also told which polling booth to use and then drop voters back home after voting. This organized transportation continued throughout the day, highlighting the intense competition among candidates.
Driver Experiences and Financial Gains
Auto driver Imran Qureshi, operating in the Tajbagh area, shared his experience with TOI. He reported completing nearly 13 round trips by 1 pm. "Party workers hired me and several other drivers in advance," Qureshi said. "I am charging around Rs 100 per round trip and have been working since 7 am. They tell us exactly which houses to go to and which polling booth to drop voters at, and then bring them back."
Qureshi added that candidates were keen on ensuring every possible voter reached the polling station. This focus on voter mobilization provided a lucrative opportunity for auto drivers, with many earning steady income throughout the day.
Traffic Challenges and Voter Assistance
The continuous movement of autorickshaws in narrow lanes led to traffic congestion in areas like Tajbagh and Mominpura. Slow-moving traffic and temporary bottlenecks occurred at several junctions, causing some inconvenience to residents.
Despite these traffic issues, the organized transport played a crucial role in ensuring voter participation. It particularly helped elderly voters, women, and those residing in interior lanes who might have faced difficulties reaching polling stations on their own.
Political Context and Future Implications
With victory margins expected to be tight in several wards, political parties appeared determined to use every permissible means to boost turnout. As polling progressed through the day, autorickshaws remained a common sight near polling booths.
This practice reflects the broader strategies employed by parties to secure votes in urban areas. It also underscores the importance of local transportation networks in facilitating democratic processes. The day's events demonstrated how auto drivers became key players in Nagpur's electoral landscape, bridging the gap between voters and polling stations.
