Unions slam govt over labour laws
MUMBAI:THE Left parties-led agitation across Maharashtra against the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government witnessed large-scale demonstrations and arrests of scores of farmers. The All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS), a prominent union of farmers affiliated to the Left parties, claimed that more than 75,000 farmers courted arrest across the state.
In Mumbai, members of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) held demonstrations outside Churchgate station and were stopped by the police from proceeding to Hutatma Chowk for their march. They were detained by the police just outside the station. “The Modi government is amending all labour laws to ensure that all the rights of the workers are curtailed and he is always at the mercy of his employers,” alleged PM Vartak, general secretary, CITU.
Ashok Dhawale, president, AIKS, said there is tremendous discontent among the farmers and labour class, which spilled on to the streets.
“Modi cheated the farmers and all his policies are aimed at displacing the farming community. We are still not getting remunerative prices and farmers are being driven out of their land for fancy schemes like bullet trains. It’s time, he should now quit,” he alleged.
From Thursday morning onwards, farmers across Maharashtra demonstrated in front of tehsil offices, held public meetings and courted arrest. The local AIKS leaders gave fiery speeches asking for securing the rights of farmers.