Bharat Mata Ki Jai
— Gurdas Dasgupata
In early days, comrades used to snub BMS workers for raising the slogan of Bharat Mata Ki Jai. But by and by they learnt to cooperate because of noticing the growing strength of BMS members in any joint action. But what happened on November 8 at Delhi’s Parliament Street is unforgettable.
As part of the Jail Bharo joint campaign conducted by central trade unions at national level, a mammoth joint Mazdoor Rally was organised at Parliament Street on November 8. National leaders of all trade unions were present on the dais. As per the schedule, first of all BMS national general secretary Shri Baij Nath Rai stood to deliver the speech. The gathering welcomed him by raising the slogans of Bharat Mata Ki Jai and Vande Mataram. Meanwhile, the AITUC general secretary and senior Member of Parliament, Comrade Gurdas Dasgupta came on the stage and asked the gathering to respond to the slogan which he was going to raise from the stage. Surprisingly, instead of shouting Lal Salam, he raised the slogans of Bharat Mata Ki Jai and Vande Mataram. The gathering also responded with full throat and raised it sky-high. Wonderful! The Comrades were not only responding but a tallest left leader himself was raising the slogan of Bharat Mata Ki Jai. The BMS influence was clearly visible. In fact, it was an unforgettable moment and to make it happen the BMS workers have been working tirelessly for years together.
Undoubtedly, it is Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh which popularised the slogans of Bharat Mata Ki Jai and Vande Mataram in industrial and trade unions. Prior to it, there were slogans like Lal Salam and Inquilab Jindabad shouted by leftists at every occasion. Due to the rising influence and increasing strength of BMS, comrades are now compelled to respond to Bharat Mata Ki Jai in joint programmes.
It is relevant to mention here that all central trade unions have decided to undertake a nationwide campaign against price rise, corruption, black money, unemployment, out-sourcing, disinvestment of profitable public sector units and retrenchment etc. On November 8 the programme was Jail Bharo and organise rallies in all the state capitals and industrial centres.
(FOC)
