Maharashtra has intensified its action against app-based bike taxi services, with the state government asking Google and Apple to remove apps such as Uber, Ola and Rapido from their app stores over alleged illegal bike taxi operations.

According to notices issued by Maharashtra Cyber, the companies are allegedly operating passenger transport services through bike taxis without obtaining the required permissions and approvals under transport regulations and the Motor Vehicles Act.

The cyber department said unauthorised bike taxi operations pose serious safety concerns for passengers. Authorities highlighted issues related to driver verification, insurance coverage, women’s safety measures and emergency response systems. Officials also claimed that rash and negligent driving linked to some bike taxi operations has increased public safety risks.

The state government also referred to a recent incident involving the alleged death of a woman linked to a bike taxi service, stating that a criminal case has been registered and that similar complaints have surfaced in different parts of Maharashtra.

In its communication to Google and Apple, Maharashtra Cyber reportedly asked the companies to remove and disable access to such applications from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. The notices warned that failure to comply with directives issued by Indian law enforcement agencies could invite legal consequences under provisions of the Information Technology Act.

Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has also directed the cyber department to register FIRs against the ride-hailing platforms over their bike taxi operations in the state.

The action comes amid growing debate over the legality of bike taxi services in several Indian states. While some states permit regulated bike taxi operations, others have imposed restrictions or initiated enforcement action against aggregators operating without formal approval.

The Maharashtra government clarified that the current crackdown is specifically against alleged illegal bike taxi services and does not affect other cab and auto services provided by these platforms.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has sent a strong message to party members amid internal unrest following the Trinamool Congress’ electoral defeat in the 2026 Assembly elections, saying those who wish to leave the party are free to do so.

The remarks come as the TMC grapples with its worst electoral performance in years and growing dissatisfaction within its ranks.

‘Will not stop anyone from leaving’

At a recent internal review meeting with party candidates, Banerjee reportedly told leaders that she would not attempt to hold back anyone planning to exit the party. She emphasised that the organisation would move forward with those who remain committed.

According to party sources, she said she would focus on rebuilding the organisation from the ground up, including restoring party offices and strengthening grassroots-level structures.

Push for rebuilding the organisation

Banerjee also called for detailed, area-wise reports from party workers and directed them to hold meetings at block and town levels to assess the reasons behind the defeat.

She further indicated that the party would undergo internal restructuring, with efforts aimed at reviving organisational strength at the local level.

Fact-finding teams and internal review

As part of the post-poll exercise, the Trinamool Congress has also set up multiple fact-finding teams to examine alleged irregularities in key districts.

These developments highlight growing internal churn within the party as it attempts to recover from its electoral setback and rebuild its support base.

Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee has been charged following allegations that he delivered provocative speeches during the West Bengal Assembly election campaign.

According to reports, the complaint was filed by a social worker identified as Rajiv Sarkar on May 5. The complaint alleged that the Diamond Harbour MP made inflammatory remarks at multiple campaign events held between April 27 and May 3.

The allegations also claimed that remarks made by Banerjee included threats directed at Union Home Minister Amit Shah during the heated election campaign in West Bengal.

Reports said the case was registered at the Bidhannagar North Cyber Crime Police Station. The development comes amid continuing political tensions in the state after the recently concluded Assembly elections.

The Trinamool Congress and the BJP have been engaged in sharp exchanges following the election results and subsequent allegations linked to violence and political targeting in different parts of the state.