?This is not a question of what was the colour of Dattopant Thengadi'sflag. It does not have any significance for the unity of labourers in India. What is significant today is that Dattopant Thengadi was a true friend of labourers. I have no hesitation in saying that he was one of the best trade union leaders. He was worried about the labourers; not about politics or any political party. I, on behalf of myself, my red flag and all of my comrades, pay heartiest tributes to Thengadi,? said Comrade Gurudas Dasgupta, general secretary of All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), while speaking at the condolence meeting.
UTUC (LS) leader, R.K. Sharma described the death of Dattoapntji as a great loss to all labour unions. ?He used to generate faith among the labourers not by his speeches but by his values of life, lifestyle and moral strength. He knew the consequences of the globalisation for labourers. That is why he openly opposed it. I pay my sincere condolences to that source of inspiration,? he said.
National president of CITU, Dr M.K. Pandhe termed the death of Thengadiji as a personal loss for him. ?Thengadi'scontribution for unity among trade unions will always be remembered. He had also played a key role in preparing the document of the National Campaign Committee. Despite ideological differences, he took all with him. His death is a loss for the whole Indian labour sector,? he said, adding that Thengadiji wanted to make the country aware about the truth on WTO.
Shri R.A. Mittal, national secretary of Hind Mazdoor Sabha, said Thengadiji always gave something to everyone. ?Generally it is witnessed that all trade unions have some political attachment, but Thengadiji was an exception. When he realised that the NDA government was going to hit the labourers? interest, he challenged the government. There are very few people like him. It is because of his efforts that the BMS is today the largest labour organisation in the country,? he added.
