App-Based Cab Drivers’ Strike In Maharashtra Continues; Gig Workers’ Leader Begins Hunger Strike

The strike by app-based cab drivers in Maharashtra will continue, said Keshav Nana Kshirsagar, President of the Maharashtra Gig Workers’ Association, who is leading the ongoing protest. Despite a meeting with senior officials from the state transport department on Friday, Kshirsagar stated that the agitation will not be called off until their demands are met.

According to Kshirsagar, he was invited to the Mantralaya for discussions, where the transport department sought time until Tuesday to consider the drivers’ demands. “We will not end the strike until all our demands are fulfilled,” he further stated. Meanwhile, Kshirsagar has also begun an indefinite hunger strike starting Friday.

In a show of solidarity, on behalf of the Gig Workers’ Association, Kshirsagar handed over a cheque of ₹1 lakh to the family of Sanoj Saxena, an app-based cab driver from Nallasopara who reportedly died by suicide due to severe financial distress. Holding cab aggregator companies responsible for the dire conditions of gig workers, Kshirsagar demanded that the state government not only provide financial assistance to Saxena’s family but also cover the educational expenses of his children.

The protestors are raising several key issues, including an immediate ban on bike taxi services, the implementation of fixed fare rates for app-based cabs and rickshaws as prescribed by the state transport department, and financial support for the family of Sanoj Saxena.