The Karnataka Rajya Pragatipara Auto Chalakara Sangha, affiliated to AICCTU, held their first district conference in Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka, on May 26th, 2026. The conference was inaugurated by AICCTU State President Comrade PP Appanna, who said that the auto drivers perform an important service to the society, and yet are living in deplorable conditions, without access to any job security, wage security, social security, housing security, etc. "The auto drivers must organise themselves to build a better life, as unity is the only way to secure rights and benefits," he said and called upon them to strengthen AICCTU in the district.
Speaking on the occasion, AICCTU State Honorary President Comrade Mohan KE said that the oil and gas crisis due to the US-Israel war against Iran has had a disproportionate impact on the auto drivers in the country. "Auto drivers are having to queue up for fuel, the price rise of fuel and other essential commodities has impacted their livelihoods in a big way. We must organise ourselves to not just fight for our livelihoods, but also to fight against the US-Israel axis of aggression. We must fight for a better society," he said.
AICCTU District President Comrade Ramanna Vitla said that Dakshina Kannada district has a long history of workers' struggles, especially that of auto drivers. "Auto drivers face continuous harassment from the police and transport department today. The auto drivers when organised can together combat such harassment," he said. Senior labour leader B. Vishnu Murthy addressed the auto drivers on the occasion and said that the organisation must be driven by ideology and come forward to change the society. AILAJ district president Comrade Thulasidas R., said that auto drivers, alongside organising themselves, must demand basic facilities and be politically aware.
A new district committee was elected on the occasion, where Ibrahim was elected the Honorary President, Mohammed Ansar Bajal - the President, Mohan KE as the district general secretary. The conference concluded with a resolution to fight for the rights and livelihood, and dignity of auto drivers across Karnataka.
