Ashok Gehlot flags labour crisis on Workers' Day, slams Bengal exit polls
Synopsis
On International Workers' Day, Ashok Gehlot didn't just mark a calendar occasion — he levelled a pointed charge against the current Rajasthan government, alleging it shelved a globally recognised gig workers' law and left mining communities to die of silicosis. His dismissal of West Bengal exit polls adds a political edge to what was framed as a workers' rights address.
Key Takeaways
Ashok Gehlot addressed the media in Jaipur on 1 May 2025 , on International Workers' Day .
He alleged that many workers are still not receiving the statutory minimum wage , calling the situation "extremely grave".
Gehlot claimed Rajasthan ranks among the lowest in wage rates and said he has written to the Chief Minister urging a wage increase.
He alleged the current state government has shelved the gig workers' legislation passed during his tenure, with necessary rules yet to be framed.
Gehlot termed the silicosis situation in mining areas "extremely critical" and announced plans to personally visit affected regions.
He dismissed West Bengal exit polls as carrying "no weight", and said clarity on the caste census should be awaited after 4 May .
Former Rajasthan Chief Minister and Congress leader Ashok Gehlot on 1 May 2025, on the occasion of International Workers' Day, raised serious concerns over the condition of labourers across India — particularly in Rajasthan — and dismissed the credibility of exit polls related to West Bengal. Addressing the media at his residence in Civil Lines, Jaipur, Gehlot described the situation of workers as "extremely grave".
Labour Conditions: A National Crisis
Gehlot alleged that a large number of workers across the country are still not receiving even the statutory minimum wage. "This is a truly unfortunate state of affairs," he said. Referring to recent labour unrest in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, he called it a "warning sign" for governments and employers, stressing that ensuring workers' welfare is both a legal and moral responsibility. "The situation across the entire nation is deeply concerning," he added.
Rajasthan Among Lowest in Wage Rates
Highlighting the situation in his home state, Gehlot claimed that Rajasthan ranks among the lowest in wage rates across the country. "This is regrettable. I have written to the Chief Minister urging an increase in wages to promote harmony and dignity among workers," he said. He also criticised the current state administration for allegedly failing to implement the gig workers' legislation passed during his tenure — a law he described as a pioneering step that had received international recognition. "Necessary rules have not been framed, and the legislation has effectively been shelved," he alleged.
Silicosis: A Silent Emergency in Mining Zones
Gehlot termed the silicosis situation in Rajasthan's mining regions as "extremely critical", urging strict enforcement of safety measures. He stressed that mine owners must ensure workers use protective equipment and adhere to established guidelines. "The real question is why workers are contracting this disease in the first place," he said. Gehlot recalled compensation measures introduced during his tenure and highlighted the social impact of the disease, citing instances of large numbers of widowed women in affected regions. He announced plans to personally visit such areas to raise awareness and press for government action.
Political Remarks: Caste Census and Bengal Exit Polls
On the caste census reports, Gehlot said it would be appropriate to wait for official clarity after 4 May before drawing any conclusions. Asked about exit polls related to West Bengal, he dismissed them outright. "No one really places any faith in exit polls. Sometimes they turn out to be true, and other times false. They carry no weight," he said. This comes amid heightened political activity around state election outcomes, with multiple parties closely watching poll projections. With the Congress seeking to rebuild its footprint in key states, Gehlot's remarks signal a broader push to anchor the party's messaging in workers' rights ahead of upcoming electoral cycles.
Point of View
And the widows-in-villages detail points to a systemic failure that transcends party lines. His dismissal of Bengal exit polls, while routine for opposition leaders, underscores how fragile the Congress's confidence is in poll-based projections after a string of unexpected outcomes.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Ashok Gehlot say about workers on International Workers' Day 2025?
Gehlot described the condition of labourers in India as 'extremely grave', alleging that many workers are still not receiving the statutory minimum wage. He called the labour unrest in Noida a 'warning sign' for governments and employers.
What is the gig workers' law Gehlot referred to?
The gig workers' legislation was passed during Gehlot's tenure as Rajasthan Chief Minister and was described as a pioneering step that received international recognition. He alleged that the current state government has failed to frame the necessary rules, effectively shelving the law.
Why did Gehlot raise the silicosis issue?
Gehlot termed the silicosis situation in Rajasthan's mining areas 'extremely critical', highlighting that workers are contracting the disease due to inadequate safety enforcement. He cited the social impact, including large numbers of widowed women in affected regions, and announced plans to visit such areas.
What did Gehlot say about Rajasthan's wage rates?
Gehlot claimed Rajasthan ranks among the lowest in wage rates in the country and said he has written to the Chief Minister urging an increase in wages to promote harmony and dignity among workers.
Why did Gehlot dismiss West Bengal exit polls?
Gehlot said exit polls carry 'no weight', stating that they sometimes prove accurate and sometimes do not. He was responding to a question on exit poll projections related to West Bengal amid ongoing political activity around state election outcomes.
