The ‘Quit Steering Wheel’ strike launched by the Odisha Drivers’ Mahasangha has been called off. The association’s president Prashant Menduli informed about the decision after discussions with the state government on Saturday.
“I am exhorting my colleagues to call off the strike. In the future, if all the 28 states go against the central government, then we will again launch our strike. But our demands before the state government have been fulfilled. On Monday, you will get your clearances,” said Menduli in a video message.
“The demands they put before the Odisha government have been fulfilled. Those who discussed with me have informed their brothers in all the districts through audio and video messages and informed them that the strike has been called off,” said Transport Commissioner, Amitabh Thakur.
The 'Quit Steering Wheel’ protest launched by the drivers over the new 'Hit and Run Law' entered the third day on Saturday. With the Odisha Drivers’ Mahasangha joining the strike, its impact was felt in the state. It was feared that the filling stations would go dry by Sunday evening. Earlier in the day, the Utkal Petroleum Dealers’ Association General Secretary Sanjay Lath had said the filling stations will go dry by tomorrow evening if people continue to resort to panic buying.