Political colours changed rapidly across several parts of Kolkata, just days after the Assembly election results. Flags and stickers associated with the erstwhile ruling Trinamool Congress were replaced overnight in many auto and toto stands by symbols of the Bharatiya Janata Party.
From Belgharia and Dum Dum to Sovabazar, Ultadanga, Behala, and Jadavpur, several transport hubs and roadside stands displayed a visible political shift on Tuesday morning.
Many auto drivers who were seen wearing TMC caps until Monday were seen with saffron tilaks and BJP flags a day later. In several places, stickers of Trinamool-backed transport unions on vehicles were covered with new political symbols.
Political shift visible at transport stands
Drivers said such changes often happen after a change in political power in the state.
Subir Dutta, an auto driver on the Ultadanga-Salt Lake route, said, "We survive by driving autos and rickshaws. We usually align ourselves with the party in power. In 2011, we removed red flags and shifted to Trinamool. Now many are switching again."
Also Read | Illegal toll plazas to shut across Bengal; govt sets May 15 deadline for report
Several drivers claimed local union dynamics began changing on Monday night itself.
According to transport workers, some influential leaders associated with Trinamool-backed auto unions were no longer visible at many stands after the election results. Some drivers informally described it as a "wait-and-watch" situation following the political transition.
Drivers raise fare, permit concerns
The political shift also coincided with changes in fare collection practices on some routes in South Kolkata.
Passengers had earlier complained about extra fares on several routes over the past few months. On Tuesday, many drivers reportedly stopped charging additional amounts.
Also Read | Oath-taking begins in Bengal Assembly: Suvendu Adhikari leads with first swearing-in
Tapan Maity, an auto driver from the Sovabazar route who identified himself as a BJP supporter, alleged that transport workers had faced multiple pressures under the earlier system.
He said, "There were complaints of excess autos on routes and irregular permits. Many drivers struggled to get enough passengers. Some took extra fares because of financial pressure."
He also claimed drivers faced both police fines and pressure from local unions.
Meanwhile, BJP leader Sajal Ghosh said the new government would work to improve conditions for people connected with the transport sector.
He said, "The government will take steps so that people working in transport can continue their profession without unnecessary difficulties."
