PM's statement on labour law consensus is false: Dasgupta

Accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of making a false statement on labour law that all stakeholders would be consulted before they are amended, veteran CPI leader Gurudas Dasgupta today said the Centre was attempting to 'deprive' the hard-earned rights of workers.
"It is a false statement. He (Modi) is working under influence of corporates and wants the law to suit the needs of big corporates. The PM does not want trade unionism and if the labour law is amended, nearly 70 per cent of workers in the country will be deprived of their hard earned rights,"he said.
Dasgputa stated this to mediapersons who drew his attention to the PM's statement during his recent visit here that all stakeholders would be consulted and consensus evolved before bringing in new labour law.

Briefing reporters on the deliberations of the third day of 41st AITUC National Conference here, the CPI leader said it discussed political and economic situation, 'political intolerance,' rising communalism and attacks on workers in India under the Modi rule.
Asked why the Left parties, which were critical of the economic policies of both UPA and NDA governments, had chosen to have an understanding with Congress in West Bengal, he said that was a different issue.
"There is political intolerance in West Bengal.Police is subservient. We want to fight the government, which is causing disaster to the people," he said.

Asked about the understanding on seat sharing in that state, Dasgupta, who is AITUC general secretary, said, "It is taking shape and is in the process."

To another question on the political situation in Tamil Nadu, he said it was very volatile.
However, he refused to take more political questions saying he was here to attend trade union and workers conference.