Brajesh Pathak says don't chase jobs, drive e-rickshaw: UP Deputy CM’s unconventional advice to youth sparks row

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak has sparked a political and social media controversy after advising young people to consider driving e-rickshaws or taxis instead of spending their time chasing conventional jobs. Speaking at the launch of the Bharat Taxi service in Lucknow on September 23, Pathak promoted self-employment and argued that driving a taxi could offer young people an opportunity to earn money while spending more time with their families.

His remarks, however, have drawn criticism from opposition leaders and social media users, with several questioning whether asking young people to drive e-rickshaws is an appropriate response to their employment concerns. Opposition leaders also took a swipe at the deputy chief minister, saying that young people were meant to run the country, not be told to drive rickshaws.

What did Brajesh Pathak say about jobs and e-rickshaws?

Pathak made the remarks while addressing people at the Bharat Taxi launch event in Lucknow. He encouraged drivers to consider self-employment and suggested that working independently could give them greater control over their time.


"Don't get caught up in the pursuit of a job. Drive for four hours, spend the afternoon with your children," he said, according to the reported remarks.


He also argued that conventional employment could leave people with less time for their families. Pathak suggested that drivers could accept rides close to their homes around 2 pm, take a break to eat and rest with their children, and return to work later in the day, potentially continuing until 10 pm.

He concluded his remarks with the Hindi saying, "Paradhin sapnehu sukh nahi," which means that there is no happiness in dependence on others. The deputy chief minister's comments were aimed at promoting self-employment through the new taxi service. However, the remarks have also triggered a broader discussion about employment opportunities and the expectations of young job seekers.

What is Bharat Taxi, and how does it work?

Bharat Taxi is a cooperative-led ride-hailing platform operated by Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited. The service was launched in Uttar Pradesh by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on September 23, 2026. Unlike conventional ride-hailing platforms, the cooperative model is designed to make drivers members and stakeholders in the service.

The initiative aims to provide drivers with an alternative platform, with a focus on their economic and social welfare. The service is intended to offer taxi, two-wheeler and three-wheeler rides. The Uttar Pradesh government has described the initiative as a means of providing drivers with social security and greater dignity in their profession.

Pathak's remarks came as the state government promoted the platform as a possible source of livelihood for people looking to work independently.

Opposition takes a dig at the deputy CM

Samajwadi Party MP Pushpendra Saroj criticised Pathak's remarks, arguing that young people should be encouraged to lead the country rather than be advised to drive rickshaws. In a social media post, Saroj said, "Today's youth will run the country. If you have a passion for driving a rickshaw, I can send you one as a gift, honourable deputy chief minister."

Several social media users also questioned the suggestion that young people should abandon the pursuit of conventional employment. One user suggested that Pathak should leave politics and buy e-rickshaws for his own children so they could spend more time with their families. Another questioned whether the deputy chief minister was offering such advice while enjoying the benefits of his own political position.

The reactions reflect a wider disagreement over how political leaders should address employment concerns among young people. While Pathak's remarks focused on the flexibility and independence associated with self-employment, critics have questioned whether such advice adequately addresses the aspirations of young people seeking jobs.