NewKerala.com

Vaiko Calls Making May 1 a Central Holiday His Greatest Achievement

MDMK MP Vaiko recalled the history of Labour Day and the 1886 workers' protests. He highlighted that Tamil Nadu's CN Annadurai declared May 1 a state holiday in 1967. Vaiko noted that in 1990, he requested Prime Minister VP Singh to make it a central holiday, which was accepted the same day. He described this as one of his greatest achievements in public life.

Key Points: Vaiko: Making May 1 a Central Holiday My Greatest Achievement

  • Vaiko recalls Labour Day history and 1886 workers' protests
  • Tamil Nadu's CN Annadurai declared May 1 a state holiday in 1967
  • Vaiko requested PM VP Singh in 1990 to make it a central holiday
  • Request was accepted same day, calls it his greatest achievement
2 min read

"Making May 1 a central holiday my greatest achievement": MDMK's Vaiko recalls Labour Day history

MDMK MP Vaiko recalls Labour Day history, calling his 1990 request to PM VP Singh to declare May 1 a central holiday his greatest achievement.

"In my public life, making the declaration of May 1st as a central holiday is one of my greatest achievements. - Vaiko"

Chennai, May 1

Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam MP Vaiko, on the occasion of May Day, recalled the history of the labour movement and the struggles that led to the recognition of May 1 as a holiday in India.

Speaking to ANI, he said, "Workers in hundreds of thousands assembled on 3rd and 4th May 1886, demanding their rights--8 hours of work, 8 hours of leisure. At the time, the police and army used their force to suppress the mass upsurge of the working class, in which several people were killed. Four persons were given capital punishment..."

Highlighting Tamil Nadu's role in formally recognising the day, he added, "In 1967, when Arignar Anna (CN Annadurai) became the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, he declared May 1st a holiday and celebrated it..."

Vaiko further said that in 1990 he had requested then Prime Minister VP Singh to declare May 1 as a central government holiday, which was accepted the same day, describing it as one of his "greatest achievements."

He said, "On 30th May 1990, when VP Singh was the Prime Minister, I raised this issue and requested him to declare May Day a central government holiday. He obliged, and on the same day, he declared it. In my public life, making the declaration of May 1st as a central holiday is one of my greatest achievements."

Labour Day is observed annually on May 1 across the world to honour the contributions of workers and advocate for their rights.

The day commemorates the struggles and achievements of the labour movement and serves as a reminder of the need to ensure fair wages, safe working conditions and dignity for workers.

The observance of Labour Day continues to highlight the importance of protecting workers' rights amid evolving economic and social challenges.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
I appreciate Vaiko's efforts but let's not forget the real heroes - the millions of workers who fought for their rights. While making May 1st a central holiday is good, what about actual worker protections? Daily wage laborers, domestic workers, and gig economy workers are still exploited. We need more than just a holiday - we need stronger laws and their implementation. Also, credit where due: CN Annadurai's decision in 1967 was truly visionary.
V
Vikram M
Interesting political point from Vaiko. But this is typical politician behavior - taking credit for something that should have been common sense. International Workers' Day has been celebrated since 1889. India was embarrassingly late. Anyway, glad it happened eventually. My father worked in a factory in Chennai and he always told me how May Day was his favorite holiday because it actually meant something. 🛠️
J
James A
As someone who grew up in the US, I find it interesting how May 1st is celebrated differently around the world. In America, Labor Day is in September - a completely apolitical affair. But in India, it's tied to worker movements and political parties. What Vaiko did was commendable but I wonder why it took so long for the central government to recognize it. The struggle of workers in 1886 Chicago really resonates even today.
R
Rohit P
Vaiko should also mention that even after the central holiday was declared, many states and private companies still don't observe it properly. My cousin works in a call center and they don't get May 1st off because it's "optional" for BPOs. The spirit of Labour Day is completely lost when companies treat it as just another working day. The real achievement would be ensuring every worker gets this holiday, not just government employees. 📅

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50