Chennai, May 1 -- Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) MP Durai Vaiko, on the occasion of May Day, recalled the history of the labour movement and the struggles that led to the recognition of May 1 as a holiday in India.

Speaking to ANI, he said, "Workers in hundreds of thousands assembled on 3rd and 4th May 1886, demanding their rights--8 hours of work, 8 hours of leisure. At the time, the police and army used their force to suppress the mass upsurge of the working class, in which several people were killed. Four persons were given capital punishment..."

Highlighting Tamil Nadu's role in formally recognising the day, he added, "In 1967, when Arignar Anna (CN Annadurai) became the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, he declared May 1...