Take on govt over labour reforms: Uddhav Thackeray to MLAs

Mumbai: Several decisions of the state government on labour reforms that were taken in light of the Magnetic Maharashtra business summit will face heat from the Shiv Sena in the state legislature and bills may be put on hold, said sources.

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray has asked party members of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) to become aggressive on issues of public importance during the session and has allegedly made it clear that the party would take a decision about quitting the government “at the proper time” and does not need any advice from “donkeys” (a possible allusion to the Nationalist Congress Party), said sources.  

Mr Thackeray discussed the strategy for the budget session with Sena MLAs on Monday. He asked MLAs to oppose labour reform decisions that were taken without consultation with the Sena. “Only 30 per cent of workers are in the organised sector and others face many problems. So the Sena will represent them and demand that the 7th Pay Commission be implemented for the government servants, Mr Thackeray had said in the meeting, Sena spokesperson Dr Neelam Gorhe told The Asian Age.

He also asked MLAs to ask how many jobs had been created in the state; the investment done in the last three years; and the list of farmers who did and did not receive the loan waiver, and why.

Meanwhile, seeking to woo Mr Thackeray, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed that equal funds be released to Assembly seats held by the Sena for various public works.

Shiv Sena MLAs have always been complaining to Mr Thackeray about “discrimination by the government” despite the fact that the Sena is an ally of the  Maharashtra government.