Delivering on previous promises, Thane and Mumbai’s labour unions stood united against communal and corporate oppression on Labour Day. Typically, May 1 is celebrated as International Labour Day, it is also celebrated as Maharashtra Day in the state. However, in light of growing unrest in India, Mumbai’s and Thane’s unions and conscientious groups organised Sadbhavna Diwas as well on the ocassion.
On this occasion, the Samyukt Kamgaar Shetkari Morcha (SKSM) marched from Kasarvadavli in Thane to Mumbra region in assertion of communal harmony, labour rights and in defence of the Constitution. The rally that amassed thousands of people within a short period of time started at 8 A.M. People participated on-foot, on motorcycles and similar vehicles.
The goal was to maintain peace and communal harmony in India and Maharashtra alike. Most hearteningly, even young children observing Ramzan joined the march for ‘Hindu-Muslim Ekta’. Youths walked on the road at 45 degrees Celsius for peace and harmony among all communities.
Rajan Raje, trade union leader and one of the leaders of the rally asked, “What teachings will these righteous, vertically-structured politicians leave for these young ones?”
Further, the procession was attended by people of all castes and religions. Together, this group walked till 2 P.M. The rally led by Raje and addressed by other union leaders Kumar Ketkar, Sayeed Ahmed and Vivek Monteiro who was received at Kausa with bouquets. Three generations of the Monteiro family joined the march for equality.
Throughout the march cheers of ‘Allahu Akbar’, ‘Har Har Mahadev’ and ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ wove into each other in praise of God and the country. SKSM leaders resolved to always support Muslims for humanitarian causes like CPI(M)’s Brinda Karat did for Jahangirpuri residents during illegal demolitions.
To illustrate this, they travelled to Mumbra that is considered a prominent Muslim suburb in the area. Members wished to improve relationships with resident Muslims. They further called upon local leaders to come together on the day of Eid and share food, culture and happiness.
Iftar celebrations
A step ahead, Maharashtra’s App-Based Transport Workers Union President Prashant Sawardekar organised an iftar on May Day. People from different religions came together to have a meal together and send the message of secular unity. On this same day, the Union also announced its plans to start the Mumbai fuel hike protests as Delhi transporters had done last month.
Leaders Anil Hebbar and CJP Secretary Teesta Setalvad also attended the event. Here’s what Setalvad had to say about the vibrant event:
Incidentally, Delhi’s workers also joined the pomp by organising a meeting with the city’s women driver sisters and Indian Federation of App-based Transport Workers General Secretary Sheikh Salauddin.
Back in Mumbai, workers unions also had their own celebrations with a two-wheeler rally that started from Bhandup to Mankhurd. The final destination was a region that survived aggressive communal attacks recently. As such, the presence of CITU 25 vehicles and 40 participants was heartening for locals.
Similarly, the Kachra Vahtuk Shramik Sangh (KVSS) observed a secular bike rally from Chembur to Sion koliwada. Around 400 labourers assembled at Koliwada where the organisation is well-known.
“Considering how the current scenario is changing with this government, we felt the need to take a wholistic approach this Labour Day. We also inaugurated our new office in Koliwada where members can now go to have their grievances heard,” said KVSS Organiser Anushka Damle.
Speakers such as Tamil Nadu AIYS leader Thirumalai Raman and local CPI leaders spoke to the assembled crowd. They discussed the controversy regarding loudspeakers created by politicians and asked people to continue their fight for their rights.
Recently, the KVSS succeeded in getting the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) attention regarding a huge PF scam amounting to crores of scandal. Responding to vehement protests, the BMC provided the PF records of all workers to the organisation.
Aside from this, the BMC asked the KVSS for arrear records. Damle alleged that the BMC was trying to delay owning their mistakes by doing so. Accordingly, KVSS leaders spoke to the people on Sunday and asked them to stay united in face of all such challenges.
Related:
Right-wing attempts at targeting BHU iftar deflated!
Restoring faith in unity: Mumbai’s Iftar parties
Senior Indian Army officers offer Namaz in Kashmir, shut trolls down