Cong: Govt makes it easier to exploit workers

After the farm bills, the Congress on Thursday trained its guns on the Narendra Modi government over the three labour reform bills passed by Parliament, alleging that the laws would lead to exploitation of workers.

“After farmers, workers have been targeted, exploitation of the poor, nurturing of ‘ friends’, this is Modiji’s rule,” Congress leader Rahul Gandhi tweeted in Hindi. He accused the government of having made “committing atrocities” against workers easier.

Mr Gandhi also took a dig at the PM over the oneyear anniversary of the

“Fit India” movement.

“Modi government’s priorities — instead of talking to farmers and workers to find a solution to their problems, busy in PR,” he tweeted, tagging a report on Mr Modi’ interaction with fitness experts from across the world.

AICC general secretary in charge of Uttar Pradesh Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also attacked the government, saying the need of the hour at this difficult time was to ensure that everyone’s livelihood was protected.

“Look at the BJP government’s priority -- the BJP government brought in a law that will make it easier to remove employees from their jobs,” Ms Vadra tweeted.

Parliament had on Wednesday approved three key labour reform bills that will supposedly remove impediments in winding up companies and allow firms withup to 300 workers to fire staff without governmental permission.

The three labour codes on industrial relations, social security and occupational safety were passed in the Rajya Sabha amid a boycott by Opposition parties, including the Congress and Left, over the suspension of eight MPs.

The Opposition was already on the warpath over the passage of three agriculture- related bills, which were passed by both Houses and await presidential assent.