New Delhi: A countrywide indefinite strike was called by drivers of Ola and Uber against low payments by the app-based taxi aggregators. The strike was called by the transport wing of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS).

“Ola and Uber gave big assurances to drivers, but today they [drivers] are unable to cover their costs. They have invested Rs500,000-Rs700,000 (Dh28,158-Dh39,421) and were expecting to make Rs150,000 (Dh8,447) a month. But drivers are unable to make even half of this because of the mismanagement by these companies,” MNS leader Sanjay Naik told media.

Besides Delhi and Mumbai, the strike was observed in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune and other big cities.

“We expect the cab companies to come to the table and discuss with the government how they can come at par with the black and yellow taxis, and other public modes of transport,” Naik, President of Maharashtra Navnirman Vahtuk Sena (transport wing of MNS), said.

He said if no meeting took place on Monday, the party would soon announce its next course of action.

According to MNS, the app-based taxi aggregators were giving first priority to company-owned cars rather than driver-owned vehicles.

Meanwhile, Mumbai Taximen’s Union also lent support to the strike.

“The transport department should take strict action as these taxi-hailing companies are violating permit conditions, and also encroaching on the taxi-rickshaw business. It is good they are going on strike,” Mumbai Taximen’s Union general secretary Al Quadros told Gulf News.

Uber has stayed away from commenting on the indefinite strike but Ola said it was studying the matter.

“We are looking into the matter. We have been informed by the Mumbai Police that they have proactively taken all the necessary steps to ensure the safety of commuters during the cab rides in the city,” Ola said in a media statement.

In view of the strike call, Mumbai Police directed MNS to maintain calm.

“Notices of section 149 of CrPC (Criminal Procedure Code) have been issued to Sanjay Naik, Arif Shaikh and Nitin Nandgaokar of the Maharashtra Navnirman Vahatuk Sena as preventive action. If they violate any orders, they are liable to be prosecuted,” Andheri police station chief Pandit Thorat told Gulf News.