Agartala, February 9:
Stepping up pressure on the BJP-led NDA government, Left trade unions and farmers’ organisations led by the CPIM on Monday organised a rally in Agartala in support of the nationwide general strike called for February 12, accusing the Centre of pursuing “anti-worker and anti-farmer” policies.
Under the theme ‘Desh Bachao, Manush Bachao’ (Save nation, save people), supporters of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), Sanyukta Kisan Morcha and other Left-backed bodies marched through the streets of the capital carrying red flags and placards before converging for a public meeting.
Addressing the gathering, former Tripura Chief Minister and senior CPIM leader Manik Sarkar said the country’s democratic space was shrinking and attacks on workers, farmers and minorities were increasing.
“The situation demands protest. Poor people are being harassed, administrative systems are being arbitrarily changed and sections of society are being deliberately targeted. People must stay alert and united,” Sarkar said, alleging that fear and division were being created through provocative remarks by those in power.
Speaking to reporters later, the four-time Chief Minister accused the BJP government at the Centre of functioning in the interests of “big capitalists and communal forces” while ignoring the concerns of the working class and peasantry.
“The February 12 strike has become necessary because the government is not listening. This will not be the last struggle. People must prepare for bigger movements to defeat these policies politically,” he said, terming the present regime’s style of functioning as “fascistic” and harmful to democracy and secular values.
Trade unions said the strike has been called to protest the implementation of the four Labour Codes, changes in MGNREGA funding patterns, and proposed legislations such as the Electricity Amendment Bill and Central Seed Act.
They also opposed free trade agreements and demanded protection of workers’ rights and farmers’ interests.
Leaders warned of an indefinite agitation if the Centre does not withdraw the labour codes and roll back what they described as anti-people reforms.
The rally comes amid intensified political mobilisation by the CPIM, the principal Opposition party in Tripura, as it seeks to corner the BJP-led state and central governments over labour, alleged failure in delivering and agrarian issues.
