KVIC dissenters lose steam?

Mumbai: The Shiv Sena-led union, which protested at the Khadi office over PM Narendra Modi’s picture being featured on the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) diary, has said that it was not a protest and that it has no objection to Mr Modi’s picture being featured on the diary. Responding to a show cause notice from the management, the union said in its clarification that it also expects at least a slogan of Mahatma Gandhi to be featured in it. The clarification copy is available with The Asian Age.

The Khadi Gramodyog Karmachari Sena had protested on January 12, over the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) diary featuring Prime Minister Modi’s picture on its cover. However, following the protest the management sent out a show cause notice to the union seeking its reply. The clarification given by the union, signed by Prakash Padwal, secretary of the union, reads, “The employees were of the view that they are not against bearing of photograph of Hon’ble Prime Minister of India on Diaries and Calendars but certainly disappointed for not printing even a single slogan/message of Mahatma Gandhiji, who is considered to be a father of nation and Khadi & Village Industries being his brain child.”

The notice had asked the union whether it had sought permission in writing before organising the protest. To this, the Union replied, “The said action was not a protest but just to express out heart felt feeling (inner conscience) about Mahatma Gandhiji that too during lunch hours for half-hour i.e. 1.30 pm to 2 pm. Hence it was felt that no formal permission is required for the same”.

In its notice, the management had also asked why the union approached the media and whether any permission was sought for the same. The union replied, “I have not approached any media or press for coverage of said issue, as the matter is related to the internal management. Hence, there is no question of seeking permission to take up the issue with press/media. It is not out of place to mention here that there are chances that the said matter might have been taken up with media/press by the rivals to target/tarnish the image of Khadi Gramodyog Karmachari Sena.” The union on Tuesday rejoiced as it claimed that the management revoked the notice.