Congress Leader Calls for Focus on Migrant Workers Ahead of Chhath Puja

Mumbai, November 15 (Daily Kiran) : Congress leader Hussain Dalwai has responded to comments made by Raj Thackeray, head of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), regarding Chhath Puja. Dalwai’s remarks follow a statement from Prashant Kishor, founder of Jan Suraj, who criticized Thackeray’s remarks.

Dalwai noted that it is up to Thackeray to respond to Kishor’s comments, asserting that Congress should not involve itself in this matter. He raised concerns over the promotion of religious activities within the railway sector, emphasizing that such initiatives are inappropriate for a government project.

Highlighting the significant number of migrant workers arriving in Mumbai and Maharashtra from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal in search of employment, Dalwai pointed out that many of these individuals are engaged in labor and construction jobs. He urged those making statements about Chhath Puja to also consider the conditions faced by these migrant workers. He questioned the living situations and wages of laborers working at construction sites, noting that many serve as security guards, yet their economic and social circumstances often go unaddressed. Dalwai called for a discussion on the rights, wages, and living conditions of these workers.

He also expressed uncertainty about the delimitation process and advised against premature commentary or criticism on the matter. While acknowledging the reservation of seats for women as a positive step, he expressed concern over the potential for political manipulation during this process, particularly regarding the unequal distribution of seats between northern and southern states.

In response to comments made by Samajwadi Party MP S.P. Singh Patel regarding Congress’s demand for 181 seats in the upcoming Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, Dalwai stated that discussions regarding seat allocation within the alliance are ongoing. The final decision will consider the political strength, strong constituencies, and winning prospects of the involved parties.

Addressing allegations of phone tapping made by Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Dalwai remarked that numerous individuals have reported instances of phone tapping. He denounced such practices as inappropriate, asserting that secretly listening to private conversations is unacceptable. He criticized the central government, claiming it is engaged in various forms of misconduct.