
New Delhi, December 27, 2025: A significant gesture of political solidarity was witnessed this week when Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Raghav Chadha hosted a local delivery executive at his official residence. The meeting was arranged after a video shared by the executive, identified as Himanshu Thapliyal, went viral, exposing the harsh economic realities of the gig economy. In a series of posts shared on December 26 and 27, 2025, the delivery partner was observed sharing a meal with the lawmaker, marking a rare moment where a grassroots grievance was directly addressed by a national legislator.
The interaction was prompted by a staggering breakdown of daily earnings that captured the internet’s attention earlier in the month. In the original footage, Thapliyal—who vlogs under the name Thapliyal Ji—revealed that a grueling 15-hour shift involving 28 separate deliveries yielded a total earning of just ₹763. It was noted by analysts that this translates to an average of roughly ₹51 per hour, a figure that sparked widespread outrage regarding the “systemic exploitation” of workers by quick-commerce platforms.
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The issue was observed being carried from social media into the halls of the Rajya Sabha by Chadha himself. During the Winter Session, the MP was heard describing the gig economy not as a success story, but as a model “hidden behind apps and algorithms” that ignores human dignity.
The meeting has been viewed as more than just a photo opportunity; it is being framed as a catalyst for a stronger Gig Workers’ Rights Bill. It was reiterated by Chadha that a digital economy cannot be built on the backs of “underpaid and overworked” individuals. The delivery partner was heard expressing deep appreciation for being treated with respect, stating that he never imagined a viral reel would lead to a seat at a lawmaker’s table.
As the year 2025 concludes, this interaction serves as a vivid reminder that meaningful policy change often begins by listening to the “invisible” workforce that powers modern urban life.