In a striking gesture of solidarity with India’s gig workers, AAP Member of Parliament Raghav Chadha traded his political attire for the yellow Blinkit uniform on January 12, 2026, spending a day as a delivery executive. Riding pillion on a scooter, navigating high‑rise elevators, and completing door‑to‑door orders, the Rajya Sabha MP sought to experience the “grassroots reality” of the gig economy firsthand.

Experiencing the Frontline

Chadha’s symbolic act was not a publicity stunt but a deliberate attempt to understand the daily challenges faced by delivery workers. From long hours on the road to the pressure of ultra‑fast delivery timelines, his day in the uniform highlighted the physical strain and emotional stress that define gig work in India’s booming digital economy.

Criticism of Ultra‑Fast Delivery Models

This initiative follows Chadha’s recent interventions in Parliament, where he criticized 10‑minute delivery models as a form of “cruelty.” He cited the case of a rider who earned just ₹763 for 15 hours of work, underscoring the harsh imbalance between effort and compensation. His remarks resonated widely, sparking debate about whether India’s celebrated digital growth is being built on the systemic exploitation of frontline workers.

Renewed Push for Reform

By stepping into the shoes of delivery executives, Chadha has renewed his push for:

• Mandatory minimum wages to ensure fair compensation.

• Social security benefits such as health insurance and retirement savings.

• Humane working hours that prioritize worker well‑being over corporate speed.

These demands reflect a growing call for regulation of the gig economy, which employs millions of young Indians but often leaves them without basic protections.

Broader Context

Globally, governments are grappling with similar challenges. In Europe, countries like Spain and Italy have introduced laws recognizing gig workers as employees entitled to benefits. In the United States, debates around companies like Uber and DoorDash continue to shape labor policy. Chadha’s initiative places India firmly within this global conversation on digital labor rights.

Symbolism and Impact

The image of a sitting MP in a delivery uniform carried powerful symbolism. It bridged the gap between policymakers and workers, showing that empathy and lived experience can drive legislative change. For many observers, it was a reminder that political leadership is not only about speeches in Parliament but also about walking — or riding — in the shoes of ordinary citizens.

A Call for Humane Growth

As India positions itself as a global digital powerhouse, Chadha’s message is clear: economic progress must not come at the cost of human dignity. The gig economy may represent innovation and convenience, but without safeguards, it risks becoming a modern form of exploitation. His initiative challenges both corporations and policymakers to ensure that India’s growth story is also a story of fairness, respect, and inclusion.

👏 Raghav Chadha’s day as a delivery executive was more than symbolic — it was a call to action for labor rights in India’s digital age.