Gurudas appeals to CM not to oppose strike

CPI Lok Sabha MP and AITUC leader Gurudas Dasgupta on Thursday urged West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee not to oppose the general strike called by central trade unions on February 28.

"This is my earnest appeal to Mamata Banerjee not to oppose the strike. The strike is against the economic policies of the Centre and not directed against her," Dasgupta told reporters here.

"Where is the conflict between the reasons for the strike call and the views of Mamata Banerjee on issues like FDI in retail, runaway inflation, violation of labour laws and retrenchment? Why is she then opposing the strike by issuing government circular to employees? She is not our enemy," Gurudas said.

The state government recently issued a circular, saying not coming to duty on February 28 would be treated as break of service.

"This she can do only by declaring the strike illegal which is not done," he said.

Gurudas claimed this was the first time that all central trade unions, including BMS, Shiv Sena's labour arm, and the Indian Muslim League trade union, would participate in the strike.

"The strike will be observed nationwide", he said.