Goa, June 16 -- The absence of Uber and Ola in Goa isn't due to any official government ban-it's a product of deep-rooted economic interests, political calculations, and limited local demand. This complex reality was sharply captured in a now-viral post by IIM alumnus Lokesh Ahuja, whose breakdown has struck a chord across social media.

At the heart of the issue is Goa's taxi ecosystem, which employs around 24,000 drivers. Most support families of four, meaning nearly 100,000 people directly depend on taxi-related income. But that's only the beginning. Many drivers also act as commission agents, linking tourists with hotels, cruises, shops, and other services. When you consider this broader network, an estimated 200,000 Goans rely on the...