The Congress leader recently held talks with a delegation of concert workers at what he described as ‘Jan Sansad’ – meetings he holds with various groups at his office in the Parliament House complex during sessions. File | Photo credit: K. Murali Kumar
Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Monday (February 16, 2026) alleged that the Union government and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-ruled states were turning a blind eye to the injustice faced by gig workers. Class and caste discrimination was deeply entrenched in the sector and companies were held responsible, Mr Gandhi said.
The Congress leader recently held talks with a delegation of concert workers at what he described as ‘Jan Sansad’ – meetings he holds with various groups at his office in the Parliament House complex during sessions.
In a Facebook post accompanied by a video of the interaction, Mr Gandhi said the discussions highlighted the need for strong and responsible government action to ensure workers benefit from the gig economy.
“Today, gig workers do not have a stable income, social security or basic amenities such as medical care and insurance. The work-life balance is disturbed and basic human dignity is violated,” Gandhi said.
He argued that female gig workers faced a “double exploitation” that combined economic insecurity with a lack of safety and respect. “Instead of support, they are deprived of the dignity of their work,” he said.
Class and caste hierarchies were reflected in the gig economy, Mr. Gandhi said. “A large number of workers in the concert sector belong to the Dalit and tribal communities, further exacerbating their exploitation,” he said.
Accusing the BJP of inaction, he said governments at the Center and states have failed to enact strong laws or provide social security for gig workers. “There are no strong laws, no social security and no accountability for concert companies,” he said.
Congress-ruled states were working on rights-based frameworks to ensure social security, minimum wages and equal treatment for gig workers, and were developing a model law that could be implemented nationwide, Gandhi said.
Published – 16 Feb 2026 22:23 IST