SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, July 8: Coal miners’ unions, led by BJP Member of Parliament Dhulu Mahto and BJP MLAs in Dhanbad, have announced their support for the nationwide strike called by central trade unions on July 9. The strike has been convened to protest against the policies of the Narendra Modi-led Central Government.
Despite the strike being driven by trade unions aligned with opposition parties, BJP leaders’ affiliated unions such as the United Coal Workers Union (UCWU) and Janata Mazdoor Sangh (JMS) are set to participate. This unusual alignment has stirred confusion among BJP cadres in the region.
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Unions with Deep Political Roots
In Dhanbad, MP Dhulu Mahto and his elder brother, Baghmara MLA Shatrughan Mahto, jointly manage the UCWU. Shatrughan Mahto serves as its president, while Dhulu Mahto holds the position of secretary. The UCWU is affiliated with the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC).
Jharia MLA Ragni Singh, also from the BJP, leads a faction of the Janata Mazdoor Sangh, which is affiliated with the Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS). Notably, her husband Sanjeev Singh was a former leader of JMS, and following his tenure, Sidharth Gautam assumed the role of national vice-president of HMS.
Striking Despite BMS Stand
Interestingly, the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS)—the official labour wing of the BJP—has opted out of the July 9 strike. The decision of the BJP lawmakers’ unions to participate in the strike, therefore, contradicts the party line and has led to unease among BJP loyalists.
MP Dhulu Mahto commands considerable support in the Baghmara coalfield region, while Ragni Singh has strong backing in the Jharia and Nirsa (ECL) coalfields.
A UCWU official stated that Dhulu Mahto has been leading his trade union activities since before he joined the BJP in 2014, and emphasized that his support for the strike should not be interpreted as opposition to the Central Government.
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Unions Function Beyond Party Lines
Similarly, the JMS faction led by Ragni Singh has historic roots. It was established in 1975–76 by the late Jharia MLA Surdeo Singh. His wife, Kunti Singh, continued to lead the union even after joining the BJP and winning the Jharia seat in 2005.
Speaking on behalf of AITUC, senior leader and JBCCI (alternative) member Lakhan Lal Mahto emphasized that 10 out of 11 recognized central trade unions are supporting the July 9 strike.
“Since UCWU is affiliated with AITUC, it will naturally participate in the strike,” he said, adding, “Trade unions are not bound by party affiliations. What matters is a leader’s commitment to workers’ welfare.”
