Agartala: The BJP-led government in

has removed May day from the list of official holidays and included

, a festival celebrated by the state's tribal community, instead.

"May Day is not observed as a national holiday in India. In most states, it is a restricted holiday. The Leftists, who ruled for 25 years, made it a holiday without realizing the day's significance," BJP spokesperson Nabendu Bhattacharjee said.

May 1 will now be a restricted (optional) holiday.

Bhattacharjee added, "Officers and government employees should not enjoy May 1 as a paid holiday. The previous government never ensured the holiday for the unorganized sector - which we will do. Daily wage workers and casual employees will get a paid leave on the day."

drew flak from the opposition CPM, which called it an "anti-working class step".

"May Day is celebrated as a public holiday across the world. It is a day to celebrate the achievements of workers. Its origins go back to the labour union movement, specifically the

movement - which advocated eight hours of work, eight hours for recreation and eight hours for rest," CPM state committee member and former deputy speaker Pabitra Kar said.

"This government had said it would respect the working class. But with this act, it has proven that it does not respect the working class," he added.