The exodus of workers from North Indian States from Gujarat has become a political controversy as the ruling BJP said the entire is a conspiracy by the Congress against the State. The Congress said the anger and frustration of unemployed youth manifested in violent attacks on migrants across the State. The Left parties, the Trinamool Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party have also expressed concern over the situation. The Opposition demanded Prime Minister Narendra Modi to break silence on the matter.

‘Links with Cong’

BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said the Congress is trying to divide the society. He said Thakur Sena leader and Congress MLA in the State Assembly Alpesh Thakur tried to instigate violence against migrant workers. “Thakur’s poisonous speech makes the Congress’ intentions clear. He is not just a Congress MLA, he is close to Congress president Rahul Gandhi. Thakur’s father was also a leader of the Congress,” Patra said. “This is the characteristic feature of the Congress. The Congress is trying to spread chaos, conspiracy and confusion. Whenever an election is round the corner, Congress always tries such tactics,” Patra said.

Congress’ take

Rahul Gandhi said that across Gujarat, poor economic policies, demonetisation and poorly executed GST have devastated industry, resulting in the shutting down of factories and industrial units. This lead to massive unemployment. “Youth there is growing frustration and anger with the Government's inability to create jobs. This anger and frustration is being manifested in violent attacks on migrants, across the state of Gujarat,” he said in a statement.

“The migrant workforce is critical to our economic growth. Attacks on them create an environment of fear and insecurity that isn't good for business and our economy. The Government must act decisively, and do all it can to restore peace and to ensure the safety of every Indian,” he added.

Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari said the Gujarat government does not want to stop violence. “They want to maintain an atmosphere of violence and polarisation,” he said and added that the intentions of the Vijay Rupani Government are doubtful.

The Congress spokesperson added that rather than protecting the people from his State, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is busy in justifying the Gujarat government. “Migrant workers from other States in Gujarat are scared of the violence and Adityanath claims there is no violence in the State,” Tewari said.

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Published on October 9, 2018