Rahul Gandhi Backs Bharat Bandh; Voices Support For Workers And Farmers

As central trade unions called for a nationwide Bharat Bandh against the Centre’s labour and economic policies, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday extended his support, saying he stands firmly with the issues and struggles of workers and farmers.

Taking to X, Rahul Gandhi posted, “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.”

“And weakening or eliminating MGNREGA could snatch away the last support of the villages. When decisions were taken regarding their future, their voice was 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,” the post further read.

Farmer unions under the SKM banner have termed the interim India-US trade framework ‘a direct threat to Indian agriculture, dairy and rural livelihoods’. They say the framework contradicts Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal’s assurance on keeping agriculture and dairy outside FTAs.

Unions also flagged tariff hikes on Indian goods entering the US to 18 per cent after President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs, and raised concerns over FTAs with New Zealand, the EU and the UK.

Key Demands of the Protesters

Protesters are demanding the withdrawal of the four labour codes, alleging they passed without adequate consultation. Other demands include halting amendments to the Electricity Act, stopping privatisation of PSUs, restoring safeguards under MNREGA, and ensuring a five-day work week for bank staff.

The strike, organised across nearly 600 districts by 10 central trade unions, including AITUC and CITU, will likely see participation from nearly 30 crore workers, union leaders claim.

Tamil Nadu is likely to witness disruptions, with the DMK’s Workers Progressive Association backing the bandh. Farmer groups, student bodies and the AAP have also pledged support, with the AAP criticising the BJP-led government’s ‘anti-worker labour policies and anti-farmer economic decisions.’

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