Rahul Gandhi to launch gig workers legislation after 32-week delay

Hyderabad: After a gap of 32 weeks since the Telangana Assembly passed the Telangana Platform-Based Gig Workers Bill, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi will formally launch the legislation on Saturday at the Bharat Summit. The Bill was introduced in the Assembly on March 29, 2026.

During the discussion, Labour Minister G Vivek Venkatswamy said the State government had drafted the legislation after extensive consultations with workers and companies. The government had also assured that companies failing to protect the interests of gig workers would face penalties.

After the delay, Rahul Gandhi is expected to interact with gig workers at the Bharat Summit and formally launch the gig workers’ policy.

Meanwhile, the first day of the summit turned out to be a flop show, with several speakers failing to attend. Visitors complained about a lack of coordination and chaotic arrangements. They also pointed out that several sessions were held behind schedule.

Contrary to the Congress party’s claim that 1,000 delegates from 70 countries were participating in the summit, the turnout on Friday, the inaugural day, was reportedly low. However, the Congress blamed the BJP-led Union government for the poor turnout.

Congress MP from Thiruvananthapuram Shashi Tharoor described the development as a disappointing footnote to the Bharat Summit proceedings.

“When I got to Hyderabad, I learned that 115 of the 315 speakers whom the External Affairs Ministry had cleared for the event ended up being refused entry to India or having their visas cancelled, apparently on the instructions of the Ministry of Home Affairs,” he said in a post on X.

Tharoor said it was unclear under which provision of law the government had taken such a drastic step. However, he said it was impossible to reverse the decision as the conference was scheduled to conclude on Saturday.

“What a shame that a proud democracy has become so insecure that it must stifle any voices it fears will be critical,” Tharoor added.