T.N. parties demand Assembly resolution against Union labour codes

Political parties including the Congress, MDMK, VCK, and the Left on Monday urged the state government to adopt a resolution in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly rejecting the Union government’s labour codes and safeguarding the state’s legislations and 39 welfare boards meant for unorganised sector workers.A joint statement was issued in this regard. it was signed among others by MDMK general secretary Vaiko, VCK president Thol. Thirumavalavan, CPI(M) state secretary Shanmugam, TNCC president Manickam Tagore, and CPI state secretary M. Veerapandian, alongside heads of the IUML, MMK, TVK, CPI(ML), MJK, and SDPI.Speaking to reporters at the CPI state headquarters in Chennai, Mr. Veerapandian said, “The Union government’s four labour codes have been forced on workers without convening the Indian Labour Conference (ILC) and in violation of ILO Convention 144. Under these circumstances, labour laws in Tamil Nadu must be protected, and the state’s 39 welfare boards must be safeguarded. Therefore, a resolution must be adopted in the Tamil Nadu Assembly against these four codes.”“These labour codes introduced by the Union government represent an assault on laws won through historic workers’ struggles. Hence, just as the Left government in Kerala announced, the Tamil Nadu government must declare that ‘we will not frame rules or enact them into law,’” he said.Addressing current political developments in the state, he remarked, “The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu is the embodiment of the mandate given by the people. Therefore, officials must function under the authority of the Chief Minister. The bureaucracy must not trample upon democracy. That is what happens in northern states under BJP rule, and it should not happen here.” He also condemned the tendency to place the blame entirely on officials whenever allegations arise.He said a decision on attending the September 9 meeting of parties supporting the TVK would be announced on the evening of September 8, affirming their stance of supporting a TVK government from the outside remains firm.Mr. Veerapandian disclosed that a coordination committee of Left parties has already been formed, and a massive rally under the theme “Tamil Nadu Ini Idathu Pakkam” (Tamil Nadu Swings Left) will be held on October 15.When asked about the opposition not being given an opportunity to respond to the Chief Minister’s address in the Assembly, Mr. Veerapandian replied, “Democracy comprises both the ruling party and the opposition. The ruling party must respond to queries raised by the opposition; indeed, the greater burden of responsibility rests with the ruling party.” Published - September 07, 2026 06:30 pm IST