Will be pleased even if some stop driving: Assam CM on 'unknown' drivers

A fresh controversy has erupted in Assam after Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s Independence Day remarks describing cab drivers associated with Ola and Uber as “unknown.” The statement has triggered a strong backlash from drivers’ unions, with organisations demanding an immediate retraction and threatening statewide protests.

Defending his remark amid mounting criticism, the Chief Minister doubled down on his stance. “If some drivers stop driving their vehicles, I will be pleased. Let them stop. I am only speaking the truth. My concern is with strangers, not with known people. This government is anti-stranger, and my statement has been proven right,” he asserted.

On Sunday, three prominent organisations, the All Assam Cab Operators’ Union, Sadau Asom Cab Mazdoor Sangha, and the All Guwahati Cab Drivers’ Union—united to condemn the government and its Transport Department. The unions accused the department of empowering “unknown elements” by being lax in licensing, and of systematically oppressing legitimate cab drivers.

In a joint statement, the cab drivers demanded that the CM withdraw his comment by the end of August, warning of escalating agitation if he fails to do so. “If the Chief Minister does not admit his mistake, we will take to the streets. Motor workers across Assam will join in the protest. We will enforce a complete chakka bandh across the state and, if necessary, demonstrate in Delhi,” the organisations declared.

Challenging the CM to clearly define “unknown elements,” the unions said the remark had deeply insulted thousands of hardworking cab drivers across Assam. “We want our identity back. The Chief Minister has pushed us into a battle we never wanted. Do not politicise our lives. We only work to earn two meals a day,” they stressed.