New Delhi, February 12: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday extended full support to the nationwide strike observed by workers and farmers against various Central government policies, asserting that the concerns of the working class and agrarian community have long been ignored.
In a post on X, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha said millions of workers and farmers were protesting to safeguard their rights, expressing fears that the four Labour Codes, certain trade agreements, and the weakening of MGNREGA could adversely affect their livelihoods. He alleged that their voices were ignored when key decisions about their future were taken and reaffirmed his solidarity with their struggle.
“Today, millions of workers and farmers across the country are on the streets, raising their voice for their rights. Workers fear that the four Labour Codes will weaken their rights. Farmers are apprehensive that trade agreements will strike a blow to their livelihood. Weakening or eliminating MGNREGA could take away the last support system of villages. When decisions regarding their future were made, their voices were completely ignored. Will Modi ji listen now? Or is the ‘grip’ on him too strong? I stand firmly with the issues of workers and farmers and with their struggle,” Gandhi wrote.
The strike, called by ten Central Trade Unions (CTUs) and backed by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), aims to protest against a range of policies, including the four Labour Codes, privatisation and contractualisation measures, the Electricity Amendment Bill 2025, proposed changes to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), and the proposed Seed Bill.
Large-scale participation by farmers, agricultural workers, and industrial unions is expected across the country, including employees from transport and power sectors and other worker organisations.
Meanwhile, apple growers in Himachal Pradesh have stepped up preparations to join the nationwide strike and announced plans for a march to Delhi. They have expressed concern that recent import duty reductions under India–US and other free trade agreements could adversely impact the state’s apple-based economy, despite assurances from Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal that the interests of Indian apple growers will be protected.
While several trade unions and farmer groups have joined the strike, the National Front of Indian Trade Unions (NFITU) has opted out, describing the protest as “politically motivated.”
Communist Party of India (CPI) leader and All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) working president Binoy Viswam also extended his support to the nationwide strike, calling it a movement to safeguard people’s fundamental rights. (Agencies)
