Driving Naari Programme launched in Chandigarh
New Delhi, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi yesterday delivered his first-ever May Day message, signalling the party’s pro-labour push as part of its strategy to corner the BJP government as anti-worker.
Rahul’s carefully crafted message attempts to strike a chord with the labour class when BJP governments in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat are being attacked for diluting laws around the sector through changes in the Factories Act, Industrial Disputes Act, among others.
Gandhi scion’s maiden message for workers also positions the Congress alongside the Left, traditionally known to mark May Day with gusto as it did yesterday with CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury warning the Narendra Modi government against amending labour laws to the disadvantage of workers.
Rahul appealed to the working class saying: “Today we pay tribute to millions of workers whose hard work, sweat and tears have gone into building our nation. Those who work in our factories, fields, construction sites, mines and enterprises must be assured dignity of labour … their children must get opportunities to choose their life … let us renew our resolve today to strive for India in which every citizen rich or poor, farmer and labourer, can hold their head high.”
The message, Congress strategists admit, is a reflection of the party’s political plan to stand on the side of workers.
Congress media unit head Randeep Surjewala said, “Labour is a very important class. We are assessing every move of the BJP government at the Central and state levels to see what changes they are making to labour legislations that may adversely affect the rights of the working class. We won’t allow such amendments.”
K Raju, head of party’s Scheduled Caste cell, said Rahul’s first May Day message was the Congress’ way to express solidarity with the cause of workers.
“The existing labour welfare model was constructed and nurtured by Congress regimes in the past. We will preserve these safeguards inside and outside Parliament,” Raju said.
