Why Are Trinamool Workers Protesting Against BJP Chief Over Delayed Salaries?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Protest Trigger: Delayed salaries and lack of bonuses for mill workers.
- Political Involvement: Manoj Tiwari actively supported the workers' cause.
- Peaceful Resolution: The protest was managed without escalation or violence.
- Future Advocacy: Bhattacharya committed to addressing the workers' grievances in Parliament.
- Community Concerns: The event underscores the need for cooperation between political factions to resolve labor issues.
Kolkata, Sep 11 (NationPress) Workers from the Trinamool Congress, alongside Minister of State for Sports Manoj Tiwari, staged a protest on Thursday, surrounding the vehicle of BJP state president and MP Samik Bhattacharya. The workers, who are also employees of Aarti Cotton Mill in Dashnagar, Howrah district, complained that they had not received their salaries for an extended period and were also deprived of their bonuses ahead of Durga Puja.
They encircled the BJP leader to voice their grievances. A significant police presence was deployed to manage the situation, but the protest remained peaceful, and Bhattacharya was unharmed.
Bhattacharya was present to inaugurate the 'Narendra Cup Football Tournament' at the Aarti Cotton Mill grounds, but Trinamool workers intercepted him before he reached the venue, demanding various salary-related issues be addressed. Minister Tiwari was also on-site during the protest.
Supporters of the BJP accompanying Bhattacharya began chanting slogans in reaction to the protest, which persisted for a while.
Manoj Tiwari approached Bhattacharya to discuss the situation, highlighting that the mill has been shut down for several days and that the workers are owed salaries and bonuses.
"It is unacceptable for the BJP to host a football tournament at the mill grounds while ignoring the plight of these workers," Tiwari remarked.
In response, Samik Bhattacharya assured the workers, stating, "I have raised this issue in Parliament and have spoken with Union Textile Minister Giriraj Singh regarding the modernization of mills in Bengal. A central project is in place for this, and funding will be provided, but state cooperation is essential for progress."
After discussions between leaders from both parties, the protest was eventually called off. As a member of a parliamentary committee related to the Ministry of Textiles, Bhattacharya expressed his commitment to resolving the cotton mill's issues.
He later stated, "Today marks the anniversary of Swamiji's Chicago speech, and I am here to inaugurate the Narendra Cup. I prefer to keep politics out of this event."