Archive · 9 Oct 2026
Giriraj Singh Rejects Resignation Demand, Denies Surat Worker Exodus
Giriraj Singh is a government minister who visited Surat to learn about its textile industry.
Some workers say they work long days and do not always get weekly holidays.
They also say they may be threatened with losing their jobs if they ask for time off.
Singh said workers and mill owners should work together, but he did not give an immediate solution to those complaints.
He also disagreed with opposition politicians who say many workers are leaving Surat.
Singh said people may choose to work in their home states if they find better jobs there.
He rejected calls for election chief Gyanesh Kumar to resign and said Rahul Gandhi should resign first.
Singh also defended the government's economic record and said he would look into concerns about price increases.
Union Textile Minister Giriraj Singh rejected opposition demands that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar resign.
Singh said Rahul Gandhi should resign first if the situation was illegitimate, and challenged him to seek resignations from Karnataka and Telangana governments.
During a three-day Surat visit beginning October 9, Singh dismissed claims that workers were leaving the city in large numbers.
Surat textile workers have alleged 12-hour shifts, denied weekly holidays and threats of dismissal for requesting leave; Singh said he would address specifics later.
Singh defended the Modi government's economic record, citing improved global standing and export growth, while saying he would examine concerns about price rises.
- Who
- Union Textile Minister Giriraj Singh, opposition leaders including Rahul Gandhi, and textile workers in Surat.
- What
- Singh rejected demands for Gyanesh Kumar's resignation, denied claims of a mass worker exodus, and discussed textile workers' complaints.
- When
- Singh arrived on October 9 for a three-day visit; he made the comments on Friday.
- Where
- Surat, Gujarat, including the Surat Circuit House.
- Why
- The visit took place amid concerns about textile workers' conditions, employment and business conditions.
Opposition and worker concerns
Giriraj Singh's responses
Gyanesh Kumar's resignation
Opposition and worker concerns
The opposition has demanded that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar resign.
Giriraj Singh's responses
Singh rejected the demand, called it selective, and said Rahul Gandhi should resign first if the situation was illegitimate.
Workers leaving Surat
Opposition and worker concerns
Opposition claims workers are leaving Surat in large numbers.
Giriraj Singh's responses
Singh dismissed this as a narrative and said workers may move if better opportunities exist in their home states.
Textile working conditions
Opposition and worker concerns
Workers allege long shifts, denied weekly holidays and dismissal threats for requesting leave.
Giriraj Singh's responses
Singh urged mill owners and workers to work together and said he would address the specific complaints later.
- Minister
- Giriraj Singh, Union Textile Minister
- Visit
- Three days, beginning October 9
- Location
- Surat
- Worker complaints
- Alleged 12-hour shifts, denial of weekly holidays and dismissal threats for seeking leave
- Resignation demand
- Singh rejected calls for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to resign
- Worker exodus claim
- Singh described the claim of large-scale departures from Surat as a narrative
- Economic remarks
- Singh cited improved global economic standing and export growth; he said he would examine specific price concerns