Rahul Gandhi Says Centre Ignored Voices of Farmers and Workers
Centre Ignored Voices of Farmers and Workers Amid Nationwide Strike
New Delhi, Feb 13: Amid a day long strike by trade unions protesting the Centre’s policies, Congress expressed full support for the workers and farmers, with Rahul Gandhi alleging that the Government ignored their voices while making critical decisions affecting their future.
Trade Unions Stage Nationwide Protest
Employees and workers associated with a joint forum of central trade unions observed the strike to resist what they called “anti-worker, anti-farmer, and anti-national pro-corporate policies” of the Central Government. The forum claims around 30 crore workers are being mobilised for a general strike against the new labour codes and related issues.
Congress Voices Strong Opposition
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said trade unions, farmers, and workers are on the streets to protest against the Government’s trade deals, labour laws, and changes to MGNREGA. “We stand firmly against the anti-people TRAP deal, which has mortgaged the future of millions of toiling farmers, workers, and labourers. Succumbing to foreign pressure, the Modi Government has tampered with the lives of crores of citizens,” he said.
Kharge also criticised those who supported the India-US trade deal, claiming it harms India’s national interest, adding, “From the streets to Parliament, our struggle will continue.”
Rahul Gandhi Targets Government Policies
Rahul Gandhi highlighted that workers fear the four new labour codes may weaken their rights, while farmers worry the trade agreement with the US could jeopardise their livelihoods. He further warned that weakening or eliminating MGNREGA could remove a vital source of rural support.
In a social media post in Hindi, Gandhi said, “Today, lakhs of workers and farmers across the country are on the streets to raise their voices for their rights.” He also questioned whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi would now listen to these voices or if there is a “grip” on him too strong.
The remarks come a day after Gandhi described the India-US interim trade deal as a “wholesale surrender,” claiming it compromises India’s energy security and the interests of farmers.
