Perhaps, the inability of displaying banners or placards did not disappoint the labourers and union leaders to that extent, but what actually left them disgusted was their helplessness over holding red flags, which they considered a fundamental part of their movement. From veteran Communist leader B V Kakkillaya to All India Trade Union Congress State Vice President B Vishwanath Naik, all labour leaders expressed their displeasure over the situation which did not allow them to display red flags that have been central to all trade union movements that took place across the world so far. Addressing labourers during May Day celebrations convened by AITUC in Urwa Store in the city on Thursday, Mr Kakkillaya expressed his vexation by stating that though they were not allowed to hold red flags, nobody could snatch their fundamental right of offering a ‘laal salaam’.

Another leader Mr Naik appreciated the women labourers in the convention for wearing red colour blouse and sarees with red shades. “I am happy. Nobody can stop us from expressing our basic theme. Your red dress has satisfied this ambition,” he exclaimed. Prior to the convention, the labourers held a jatha from Lady Hill to Urwa Store, once again, without slogans, placards and red flags. 

However, labourers were allowed to hold flags during a jatha organised by various trade unions in the city later in the evening.

‘Miserable condition’
In his speech, Mr Kakkillaya said labourers themselves are responsible for their present miserable condition.
Unless the labourers in the unorganised sector, who constitute 80 per cent of the total working population, come together and raise their voice, their status will continue to be the same for decades, he observed.

He said they do not want the kind of development that increases hunger as well as inequality among the people.
He challenged the capitalists to return certain share of their benefits to the working class.

Mr Naik vented his ire on the escalating prices for basic commodities, and asked why there is not a single law that stops inflation in particular, and punishes those who cause inflation. In his presidential address, AITUC district head V Kukyan demanded for probes into the massive wealth accumulated among the election candidates.