Rahul Gandhi shares video of interaction with Singareni Coal Mines workers, voices concern over privatisation

Rahul Gandhi. Pic/PTI

Voicing concern over "privatisation of mines", Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday alleged that it was a violation of labour laws and it meant pushing the workers into "bonded" labour, as he shared a video of his recent interaction with workers of the Singareni Coal Mines in Telangana, reported news agency PTI.

In the video shared by Gandhi on his YouTube channel, he tells the workers that the Congress stand is very clear that there should be no privatisation is strategic sectors, reported PTI.

"A few days ago, I got a chance to meet and talk to the workers and employees of the coal mines of Singareni. Listened to their problems, and after listening I came to know that the root of every problem is the privatisation of mines," he said in his post along with the video.

"This privatisation is a violation of labour laws and is a means of pushing workers into bonded labour. Some capitalists will benefit from this and the result will be what I have been saying for a long time - the rich will get richer, and the poor will become poorer," the former Congress chief said, reported PTI.

In the video, the workers ask Rahul Gandhi to ensure that the Congress in its manifesto states its stand against such privatisation aimed at benefiting a few, reported PTI.

Rahul Gandhi, in his interaction with the workers which happened during his Telangana visit last month, had assured that the mines of Singareni Collieries will not be privatised and alleged that there was an attempt to sell it to Adani, but "we got it stopped", reported PTI.

He has been interacting with various sections of society -- from mechanics and porters to students and carpenters -- asserting that his Bharat Jodo Yatra, which he undertook from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, continues with these interactions.

Earlier, restoration of statehood and holding elections in Jammu and Kashmir have been suggested by former governor of the erstwhile state Satyapal Malik during an interaction with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

In the 28-minute-long interview conducted by Gandhi, Malik, known for his controversial remarks in the past, warned that insurgency is returning to Jammu and Kashmir and that attacks are being witnessed in areas like Rajouri and higher reaches of the valley. The video was shared by Gandhi on his social media channel.

(With inputs from PTI)