INDIA bloc extends support to trade union bandh in Puducherry on May 20

INDIA bloc extends support to trade union bandh in Puducherry on May 20

Leaders of the INDIA bloc in Puducherry on Wednesday (May 7, 2025) decided to extend support to the bandh called by the trade unions in the Union Territory on May 20, to protest against the “anti-worker and pro-corporate” policies of the Union government.

Briefing reporters after a meeting of the INDIA bloc at the CPI office in the Union Territory, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) and chief of the Pradesh Congress Committee V. Vaithilingam said trade unions in Puducherry have decided to call for a bandh in UT in light of the nationwide strike called by the national leadership of trade unions against the policies of Union government.

“The concerns raised by the trade unions are genuine, so we are appealing to the public to support the bandh. Our leaders have decided to extend support to the trade unions for their decision to observe the bandh on May 20,” the PCC chief said. 

The meeting was attended by DMK legislators Anibal Kennedy, L. Sambath, Congress legislator M. Vaithianathan, CPI secretary A.M Saleem, CPI (M) secretary S. Ramachandran, and leaders belonging to other constituents of the INDIA bloc in Puducherry.

When asked about the absence of Opposition leader and DMK convenor R. Siva and on the recent remarks he had made against the Congress party, the PCC chief said, “Mr. Siva was not well so he didn’t attend the meeting. And for the comments he made, Mr. Siva will have to explain.”

A month ago, Mr. Siva, at a party meeting, had termed Congress an “immovable vehicle,” apparently referring to the electoral losses the party suffered in the Assembly elections in Maharashtra, Haryana, and Delhi.

When asked whether the Congress or DMK will lead the alliance in Puducherry for 2026 Assembly polls, Mr. Vaithilingam said the alliance would be led as per the expectations of the people. “It will happen as per the expectations of the voters,” he said.