Gadkari: Thengadi and Chandrayan helped shape BMS

Nagpur: Union minister Nitin Gadkari on Sunday paid tribute to veteran trade union ideologue Dattopant Thengadi and late labour leader Bhausaheb Chandrayan, recalling their role in building and strengthening Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) during politically difficult times.Gadkari was speaking after receiving the inaugural Late Bhausaheb Chandrayan Memorial Award 2026. The programme, organised by the Centre for Development Research, Nagpur, also marked release of book ‘Samanyatil Asamanya Bhausaheb', authored by Kapil Chandrayan.Describing Chandrayan as backbone of BMS, Gadkari said the organisation faced severe opposition in its formative years, particularly during Congress rule. Despite challenges, he said, leaders like Chandrayan remained steadfast, strengthening the labour movement through discipline, dedication and commitment.The Union minister also lauded Dattopant Thengadi, founder of BMS, calling him a visionary whose ideas deeply influenced Chandrayan. "Bhausaheb worked throughout his life under Thengadi's guidance and carried forward a socially-oriented approach to labour movements," Gadkari said.Recalling his own association with trade union activities, Gadkari said he first met Chandrayan during his days with Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and while attending Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) shakhas in Mahal. Retired Supreme Court judge Vikas Sirpurkar was also present.