New Delhi: Congress Wednesday said the coal industry is witnessing the largest industrial strike in four decades but the government is simply "wishing it away".
"I think the government owes an immediate explanation as five lakh workers in the coal sector are on strike... It is wishing it away," party spokesman Abhishek Singhvi told reporters here.
He said the significant fact is that the strike, largest since 1977, is being supported by all central trade unions including the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, which is associated with the RSS.
Singhvi said the strike has taken place in the wake of the coal ordinance which has virtually paved the way for privatisation of coal mines.
Taking a dig at the NDA government for promulgating several ordinances, he remarked, "We seem to have no Parliament, no patience..."
The five-day strike by coal industry workers across the country entered its second day today as negotiations between government officials and trade unions failed late last night.
On its first day, the strike impacted 75 percent of the 1.5 million tonnes of daily coal production, while fuel supplies to nearly 100 power plants across the country may also be impacted if the impasse continues.
