Bhubaneswar, (KCN Bureau/Prasar Khuntia): An executive meeting of the Odisha Drivers’ Federation was held on Saturday at the Laxmi Kalyan Mandap in Astarang of Puri district where drivers’ leaders issued a strong warning to the state government over the non-fulfilment of long pending demands. The meeting was presided over by the Federation’s State President Prasant Mandoli who attended as the chief guest.During the deliberations, Mandoli held detailed discussions with the leadership of the Puri District Drivers’ Association highlighting the mounting hardships faced by drivers across the state. Leaders recalled that the Federation had earlier launched a statewide “steering wheel down” agitation which brought transport services to a standstill and compelled the government to assure redressal of drivers’ demands.However, despite repeated assurances the government has failed to implement any concrete measures even after a considerable lapse of time. Expressing dissatisfaction, the Federation alleged that the government continues to make promises without translating them into action.Addressing the gathering, Mandoli asserted that the Drivers’ Federation is now gearing up for a large scale agitation to press for justice. He warned that thousands of drivers from across Odisha would unite in the coming days to demand their rightful dues. “If required, drivers will resort to a complete wheel strike bringing all vehicular movement to a halt to force the government to act,” he said.The meeting was attended by Puri District Drivers’ Federation President Gopal Chandra Barik, Vice President Gopabandhu Das, Secretary Pulen Pattshani, Treasurer Ganesh Mohanty and Advisor Raju babu. Representatives from the Astarang Drivers’ Federation including President Krupasindhu Bastia, Vice President Basant Malik, Secretary Kedar Biswal, Joint Secretary Bipin Nayak and Advisor Satyabrata Lenka were also present.
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