Employees unions have termed Congress leader Digvijaya Singh’s apology for his mistake during his tenure (2003) as insult to injuries but simultaneously declared that it is better to be late than never. The employees union maintained that there was no need for Singh to raise the issue again as it will reopen old wounds in the state.
Singh had tendered an apology in a Holi get together of employees union in the state capital. Back then Singh had expelled 28,000 daily wagers in 2003 at one go. The BJP consistently capitalised on the anger of employees but never regularized them. There are 2.5 lakh votes of employees in Bhopal Parliamentary Constituency.
‘Raja was showcased as villain’
Rajpatrit Adhikari/ Karmachari Sangh Ashok Sharma said, “Raja has admitted his mistake publically, it is itself a big thing. However, It is true that there was no need to reopen the old wound of employees as the issue had snowballed into major controversy in the state against Digvijaya Singh in the last 15 years. BJP always showcased Digvijaya Singh as villain for the employees but never re-appointed them in 15 years.”
‘It will work in Singh’s favour’
Laghuvetan Karamchari Sangh president Mahendra Sharma said, “Digvijaya Singh has come to us to tender apology publically so it is our achievement as national level politician is admitting his mistake of his tenure. So it will work in favour of Digvijaya Singh. However, Singh should have done quite earlier to bridge the differences with employees.”
‘BJP took advantage but never regularised sacked employees’
Swasth Karmchari Sangh general secretary Laxminarain Sharma said, “Digvijaya Singh’s apology will pacify the thing as he has admitted his mistake at a such a platform like Holi get-together. Singh had expelled 28,000 daily wagers but BJP which took the advantage of it but it never regularized them in the last 15 years. Employees voters are crucial in Lok Sabha elections in Bhopal.”
‘Should have confessed it earlier’
Mantralayeen Karmchari Sangh president Sudhir Nayak said, “It is better to be late than never. It is insult to injuries for employees and their families. But as Raja has admitted his mistake it will help in pacifying the anger. There are 2.5 lakh voters in constituency and they will play a crucial role in the elections. BJP and Congress are feathers of same bird. BJP only capitalised the opportunity but never regularised the employees. Raja should have confessed it earlier.”