TN Opposition Parties Push for Assembly Resolution Against Centre's Labour Codes
Tamil Nadu opposition parties urge state government to adopt Assembly resolution rejecting Union labour codes and safeguard 39 welfare boards.
Opposition parties in Tamil Nadu, including the Congress, MDMK, VCK, and Left parties, have called on the state government to pass a resolution in the Legislative Assembly rejecting the Union government's four labour codes. The demand was made on Monday through a joint statement issued by party leaders, who also sought protection for the state's existing labour legislations and its 39 welfare boards for unorganised sector workers.
The joint statement was signed by MDMK general secretary Vaiko, VCK president Thol. Thirumavalavan, CPI(M) state secretary Shanmugam, TNCC president Manickam Tagore, and CPI state secretary M. Veerapandian, along with leaders of the IUML, MMK, TVK, CPI(ML), MJK, and SDPI.
Speaking to reporters at the CPI state headquarters in Chennai, Mr. Veerapandian argued that the labour codes were introduced without convening the Indian Labour Conference and in violation of ILO Convention 144. He stressed the need to protect Tamil Nadu's labour laws and welfare boards, urging the Assembly to adopt a resolution against the codes.
Drawing a parallel with Kerala, Mr. Veerapandian suggested that Tamil Nadu should similarly declare that it will not frame rules under the codes or enact them into law. He described the codes as an assault on rights secured through historic workers' struggles.
On state politics, Mr. Veerapandian asserted that officials must function under the authority of the Chief Minister, who embodies the people's mandate. He cautioned against the bureaucracy undermining democratic processes, a tendency he attributed to BJP-ruled northern states.
Regarding the upcoming September 9 meeting of parties supporting the TVK, Mr. Veerapandian said a decision on participation would be announced on the evening of September 8. He reaffirmed the parties' stance of supporting a TVK government from the outside.
He also disclosed that a coordination committee of Left parties has been formed and that a major rally under the theme "Tamil Nadu Ini Idathu Pakkam" will be held on October 15. Responding to a query about the opposition not being allowed to reply to the Chief Minister's Assembly address, he said the ruling party bears a greater responsibility to respond to opposition queries in a democracy.