In support of the opposition trade unions call the nation-wide general strike on July 9 to press for repealing of the anti-worker amendments to 29 labour laws and four newly-introduced labour codes, the opposition CPI (M) on Saturday organized a mass rally at Sonamura under Sepahijala district and appeals to people to make the strike a total to protect their democratic rights.

Before the mass gathering of CPI (M) supporters, a rally was organized, which marched through various thoroughfares of Sonamura town and culminated in a gathering at Rabindra Chowmuhani. Despite adverse weather conditions and incessant rains, the attendance of CPI (M) workers and supporters at the rally was significant.

Addressing the rally, CPI (M) state secretary and leader of opposition (LoP), Jitendra Chaudhury said that all trade and farmers unions including CITU called the nationwide general strike on July 9 in protest against the anti-people policies of the central government, and its stance against workers, farmers, and agricultural laborers, including the demand to repeal the labor code.

Chaudhury alleged that while the Prime Minister is traveling to different countries claiming that India has made great economic progress, the reality is quite the opposite. Unemployed youth are suffering, workers, farm laborers, and farmers are unable to even afford two square meals a day.

“Yet the government insists that the country is in a phase of “Amrit Kaal” (a golden era). But, in reality, Union government does nothing for the common people and only serves the interests of corporate and they suppresses public voices and protest movements,” said Chaudhury and added that the present situation is no longer acceptable and now, the nationwide general strike on July 9 has been called, which will shake the government.

During the meeting, 74 voters from 19 families, expressing their deep dissatisfaction with the BJP-led state government, formally left the BJP and joined the CPI (M). They were welcomed into the party with party flags by Jitendra Chaudhury.

During the protest meeting, CPI (M) State Committee member Suresh Das, MLA Shyamal Chakraborty, CPI(M) district secretary Ratan Saha, Aahidur Rahman, and other leaders.

It may be recalled here that opposition trade unions will join the nation-wide general strike on July 9 to press for repealing the anti-worker amendments to 29 labour laws and four newly-introduced labour codes.

The trade unions have urged the government to declare a holiday for schools and colleges on the day of the general strike to avoid inconvenience to students.

The alliance of trade unions is also pressing for a 21-point charter of demands that include implementing the national minimum wage of Rs 26,000, a rollback of privatization of State assets, reining in inflation and abolition of GST on essential items, such as food, medicines and agri inputs.

They also demand reduction of central excise duty on petroleum products and LPG, ensuring food security, expanding the Public Distribution System(PDS) and restoration of the old pension scheme.

The demands at the State-level include the immediate release of pay arrears of workers and employees working in public sector and government-owned enterprises and cooperatives, pay equalization for contract workers and withdrawal of amendments to the Electricity Act and the revival of shuttered cooperatives. Another important issue pertains to the earmarking of funds to operationalise the Welfare Board for unorganised workers.