Thousands of workers and farmers from across the country gathered at Ramlila Maidan on Tuesday to protest against the central government’s policies.
The protest, organized by several left – wing workers and farmers’ unions, saw a massive turnout, with participants carrying placards and shouting slogans against the government’s policies.
Masdoor- Kisan Sangarsh march
The Centre of Trade Unions (CITU), All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS), and All India Agricultural Workers Union(AIAWU) organised the Masdoor-Kisan Sangarsh march.
Protesters Allegations
The protesters alleged that the government’s policies have hurt the interests of workers and farmers. They demanded that the government repeal the three new farm laws. Which they claim would lead to the corporatization of agriculture and the exploitation of farmers.
The protest also demanded the immediate withdrawal of the labor codes. Which they claim would lead to the casualization of labor and the loss of job security.
“The labor codes will make us slaves of the corporate”
“The government is working for the benefit of the corporate and not the farmers and workers. The farm laws will lead to the destruction of our livelihoods. And the labor codes will make us slaves of the corporate,” said one of the protesters.
Opposition parties’ support
Several leaders from the opposition parties, including the Congress, CPI(M), CPI, and the Samajwadi Party, also addressed the gathering, lending their support to the protesters.
“The government is not listening to the voice of the farmers and workers. They are only interested in fulfilling the demands of their corporate masters. We stand with the farmers and workers in their fight against these anti-people policies,” said a senior Congress leader.
Role of The police
The police had made elaborate arrangements to maintain law and order during the protest. The protesters were allowed to gather at Ramlila Maidan, but strict security measures were in place to prevent any untoward incidents.
When the protest started?
The protest comes at a time when the country is grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic. Which has led to a severe economic crisis. The workers and farmers claim that the government’s policies have exacerbated their plight. And demanded that the government take urgent measures to address their concerns.
The protest ended peacefully, with the leaders of the workers and farmers’ unions announcing that they would intensify their agitation if the government did not address their demands.
The protest closely watched by political observers, who say that it could be a precursor to a broader movement against the government’s policies. The government, on the other hand, expected to take a tough stance. And resist any pressure to roll back its policies.
