Team Goemkarponn
Pernem: Frustration among taxi operators boiled over today as drivers staged a protest at the Pernem market, expressing anger over the repeated closure of the Blue Taxi counter at Mopa Airport by GMR authorities.
The taxi drivers, who later gathered at the Mamlatdar’s office for a meeting, warned that if their grievances continue to be ignored, they will show their strength in the upcoming elections.
“If our taxi counter is repeatedly shut down and we are forced to constantly approach the MLA and the Chief Minister for resolution, then in the next election, we will make our stand clear,” the protesting drivers declared.
For the past two to three years, taxi operators have been raising this issue with their MLA and have also held discussions with GMR officials.
However, they allege that no permanent solution has been achieved so far.
Today’s meeting at the Mamlatdar’s office was attended by Pernem MLA Pravin Arlekar, Deputy Collector, Mamlatdar, traffic officials, and several taxi drivers. MLA Arlekar assured the gathering that he would work towards resolving the matter urgently.
Meanwhile, former Pernem BJP Mandal President Tulsidas Gawas strongly criticized the handling of the issue. “This problem persists because the local MLA is not effectively addressing the matter. We stand firmly with the people of Pernem. The Chief Minister must urgently intervene and bring about a resolution,” Gawas stated.
The taxi drivers reiterated that if the government continues to neglect their demands, they will respond appropriately at the ballot box.
