Intuc splits; new leader elected

A group of labour leaders claiming allegiance to Congress president Sonia Gandhi and General Secretary Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday disowned G Sanjeeva Reddy as the leader of Indian Trade Union Congress (Intuc) and declared that they would not join the all India strike jointly called by Central trade unions including Intuc.

Addressing a press conference, Ashok Chaudahry, the leader of the faction claiming to be pro–UPA, said that he had been elected president of the organization in a convention held in Hyderabad from 17 to 18th January.

Chaudhary attacked the leadership of Sanjeeva Reddy and said he had joined hands with anti-government unions despite being leader of a frontal organization of Congress.

Chaudahry and General Secretary K K Tiwari said that they would campaign in favour of Congress candidates in UP Assembly elections. Meanwhile, responding to the claim of the group led by Ashok Chaudhary the Intuc leaders said that Sanjeeva Reddy was the elected president of the Intuc. “Sanjeeva Reddy does not have any differences with Sonia Gandhi. We will join general strike called on February 28,” said senior Intuc leader Ashok Singh.