Kolkata Racing Crisis: A Derby in Jeopardy

 

Horse racing in Kolkata has come to a standstill following an agitation led by the stable staff workers' union, triggered by the tragic death of an unemployed former stable staff member. What should have been a time of anticipation and celebration leading up to the prestigious Derby race day has instead turned into a grim standoff, threatening the very fabric of Kolkata’s horse racing community.

The history of Kolkata’s labour unions is marked by a legacy of disruption. Their unyielding demands have, over the decades, led to the closure of hundreds of industries, and now the racing industry finds itself ensnared in a similar predicament. This latest unrest has halted operations at the Royal Calcutta Turf Club (RCTC) for the past three days, plunging the sport into chaos. The union’s uncompromising stance—seemingly oblivious to the economic struggles of the industry—is emblematic of a broader issue that has plagued employers for years. Their incessant push for more benefits and concessions, irrespective of the challenges faced by the racing fraternity, has brought the industry to its knees.

The racing industry is already grappling with the crippling burden of a 28% GST, a financial albatross that has made survival an uphill battle for stakeholders. In such a fragile ecosystem, the ongoing agitation feels like a calculated assault, with the unions determined to secure their demands at any cost. Their tactics, bolstered by unwavering support from the current government, leave employers with little room to maneuver. For decades, a sustainable solution to these recurring disruptions has remained elusive, and the current impasse offers no glimmer of hope for resolution.

The repercussions of this unrest extend far beyond the immediate disruption. The fate of the Derby, slated for January 12th, hangs precariously in the balance. For RCTC, this is nothing short of a nightmare, one shared by trainers, jockeys, owners, and other stakeholders who rely on the smooth functioning of the sport. The prestige and economic vitality of Kolkata’s racing calendar are now under threat, casting a long shadow over the future of horse racing in the region.

Unless decisive action is taken to address the root causes of this unrest and forge a path toward mutual understanding, Kolkata’s racing industry risks becoming another casualty in the long list of enterprises undone by relentless union pressure. The Derby, a symbol of tradition and excellence, deserves better than to become a victim of this unending conflict. 

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