Agartala, February 16:The Tripura unit of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) demonstrated a rally that served as a platform for expressing deep-seated discontentment with the policies of the Narendra Modi-led central government.
In addition to highlighting these pressing issues, the rally also served as a show of solidarity towards the ongoing nationwide strike today known as the Gramin Bharat bandh.
However there was no impact of the strike noticed in the state capital.
The rally, which took place at Agartala’s Paradise Chowmhuni on Friday, drew attention to a myriad of grievances that have been festering within various segments of society, particularly among farmers and workers in the unorganized sector.
At the heart of the protest lay the accusation that the Modi government had fallen short of fulfilling its promises to the farming community and the unorganized sector.
Among the unmet promises were assurances of ensuring appropriate prices for farmers’ produce through Minimum Support Price (MSP) mechanisms, providing financial assistance, creating employment opportunities, and enhancing wages for workers in the unorganized sector.
They rally also protested against the union government’s refusal and using forces not to allow farmers entry the national capital to demonstrate and pressure the government towards fulfilling their demands.
The demonstrators articulated a comprehensive list of demands, each reflecting a specific area of concern. Foremost among these demands was the enactment of legislation guaranteeing a minimum support price for crops as per the proposal of Swaminathan Commission, alongside the provision of pensions for farmers.
They also called for the withdrawal of the implementation of Operational Performance-linked Salary (OPS) policies, amendments to labor laws to safeguard workers’ rights, and the establishment of a minimum wage of ₹26,000 per month.
Moreover, the protesters urged the government to repeal four labor codes, recognize guaranteed employment as a fundamental right, oppose the privatization of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), and abolish fixed-term employment arrangements.
These demands underscored a profound dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs and a fervent desire for meaningful change.
By lending their support to this collective action, the protesters aimed to amplify their voices and draw attention to the growing discontent simmering beneath the surface of society.
The significance of the rally in Agartala extends beyond the immediate grievances voiced by its participants. It symbolizes a broader trend of dissatisfaction and disillusionment with the Modi government’s performance on crucial matters affecting the lives of millions. As voices of dissent grow louder and more unified, the government finds itself under increasing pressure to address these concerns and deliver on its electoral promises.
