Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha took an unconventional approach this week to spotlight the challenges faced by gig economy workers by spending a day as a Blinkit delivery rider — one of India’s prominent quick-commerce platforms. Chadha shared a short video on his social media account showing himself in a Blinkit uniform, riding with a delivery partner and completing orders across the city to gain firsthand insight into the demanding work conditions of delivery personnel.
In the teaser video, Chadha can be seen changing into the yellow Blinkit T-shirt and jacket, collecting orders, riding pillion on a scooter, and making doorstep deliveries before the clip ends with a “Stay tuned” message. He captioned the post: “Away from boardrooms, at the grassroots. I lived their day.”
This initiative is part of Chadha’s broader effort to amplify the concerns of gig workers — including low wages, extended hours, lack of social security and pressure from ultra-fast delivery targets — issues he has raised in Parliament and public discussions. He has previously called for an end to 10-minute delivery promises, arguing they endanger riders by pushing them to take risks to meet tight deadlines.
The move comes amid renewed debate in India over the labour rights of gig workers, especially in the quick-commerce and food delivery sectors. Delivery partners and unions have been vocal about demanding better pay, safer working conditions and dignity at work, with some staging strikes and protests in recent months.
Chadha’s engagement with gig workers follows earlier actions, including publicly sharing earnings data of a Blinkit rider who reportedly earned just ₹763 after nearly a 15-hour day — a post that reignited discussions about fairness and sustainability in India’s rapidly growing digital economy.
As the full account of his delivery-day experience is yet to be released, supporters and critics alike are watching closely to see whether this experiment will translate into concrete policy proposals aimed at improving the lives of millions of app-based workers nationwide.