The government conducted talks with auto unions this evening in Hyderabad wherein PCC chief Botsa Satyanarayana took part. It may be noted that auto unions demanded the government to increase the metre fares of autos from Rs. 14 to Rs. 22. The government was reportedly willing to nod to the increase of auto fare but by two or three rupees.

It has to be mentioned here that many people in the city have expressed their anguish over the rash attitude and looting behaviour of the auto rickshaw drivers apparently thinking that government would not take any action against them. The political observers, who supported the statements of the common people, said the government should not just think of auto rickshaw drivers' votes, but also the votes of the common people, who would go ahead and cast their votes without any appeal in case government solves their grievances. And auto rickshaw drivers' demands from common people is one of the major problems being faced by the public in twin cities, added the observers.  Will government now at least stops pampering auto unions is a million dollar question.

(AW Phani)