Gonda: Samajwadi Party workers staged a symbolic protest in Gonda against remarks attributed to Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak advising young people not to remain focused solely on government jobs and to consider earning a livelihood by driving e-rickshaws or taxis.
As part of the protest, party workers drove e-rickshaws themselves and carried passengers from the Roadways bus stand to Ambedkar Chauraha, expressing their dissatisfaction with what they described as an inadequate response to the employment concerns of the state’s youth.
The demonstration was attended by Devendra Pratap Yadav, popularly known as Deepu Pradhan and district president of the Mulayam Singh Youth Brigade in Gonda; Lalchand Gautam, state secretary of the Lohia Vahini; Mohammad Afzal Khan, district president of the Minority Assembly; Siddharth Singh, district president of the Students’ Assembly; and party workers including Asif Parvez and Ravi Yadav.
The protesters said young people were seeking jobs and meaningful employment opportunities, while being advised to turn to e-rickshaw or taxi driving.
They stressed that driving an e-rickshaw is an honest livelihood and that all forms of labour deserve respect. However, they argued that the government should also create employment, industrial opportunities and avenues for growth that match the education, skills and qualifications of young people.
The symbolic e-rickshaw ride was presented by the protesters as a message highlighting their demand for greater employment opportunities for the youth.
