New Delhi: In a resolute transfer, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi threw his assist behind the multitude of transporters and autorickshaw drivers at the moment protesting towards the not too long ago enacted regulation on hit-and-run incidents. Expressing unwavering solidarity with the protesting truck drivers, Rahul Gandhi took to social media platform X (previously Twitter) to underscore the federal government’s persistent onslaught on democratic values. He criticized the Centre for formulating legal guidelines with out partaking in dialogue with each the opposition and the teams straight affected.
“During the suspension of over 150 MPs, the government enacted a law against the backbone of the Indian economy, potentially yielding detrimental consequences, especially for drivers,” Rahul Gandhi remarked.
बिना प्रभावित वर्ग से चर्चा और बिना विपक्ष से संवाद के कानून बनाने की ज़िद लोकतंत्र की आत्मा पर निरंतर प्रहार है।
जब 150 से अधिक सांसद निलंबित थे, तब संसद में शहंशाह ने भारतीय अर्थव्यवस्था की रीढ़, ड्राइवर्स के विरुद्ध एक ऐसा कानून बनाया जिसके परिणाम घातक हो सकते हैं।
सीमित…
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) January 2, 2024
Highlighting the potential affect on low-income teams, he warned that the brand new hit-and-run regulation may considerably disrupt their livelihoods. The Congress chief additionally voiced concern concerning the regulation’s potential misuse, which may inadvertently strengthen the ‘restoration mechanism’ related to organized corruption.
The New Hit-And-Run Law: Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS)
Under the not too long ago launched BNS, changing the Indian Penal Code, drivers accountable for a critical highway accident by way of negligent driving, who then flee with out reporting to the authorities, may face punishments of as much as 10 years in jail or a high-quality of Rs 7 lakh. This marks a considerable enhance from the earlier two-year punishment beneath the IPC.
Transporters’ Grievances And Protests Across States
Transport operators argue that the regulation discourages drivers and will lead to unjust punishments. They categorical issues about potential mob violence when trying to move the injured to hospitals and demand the repeal of the regulation.
All India Motor & Goods Transport Association President, Rajendra Kapoor, said, “Our only demand from the government is that decisions should be made after consultations with stakeholders. There were no discussions, no consultations.”
Protests Across The Country
Protests have erupted throughout states, with non-public bus and truck drivers imposing a ‘chakka jam’ in Madhya Pradesh and staging demonstrations in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. In Nagpur, lengthy queues at petrol pumps on Tuesday mirrored the affect of the continuing protests.
While addressing the scenario, Kapoor asserted, “Protest can never lead to a solution. We have full faith that the government will hold conversations with our members and make necessary amendments based on our recommendations.” A digital assembly and subsequent press convention are deliberate to disclose the affiliation’s future plan of action.
