A nationwide Bharat Bandh is underway, with unions protesting the government’s policies, while some leaders in Delhi-NCR support the laws. The strike, backed by trade unions, farmers’ groups, and others, focuses on various issues including Labour Codes and free trade agreements.
Sheo Prasad Tiwari from the Trade Union Coordination Centre criticized the strike, emphasizing that unions should prioritize workers’ welfare over political motives. He defended the government’s rules on minimum wages and social security, calling the strike unjustified. Tiwari accused politically affiliated unions of driving the strike for their own agenda.
In Ghaziabad, Girish Chandra Arya of the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh praised the new labour codes, stating they were developed through extensive consultations to benefit millions of workers. Arya argued that opposing these reforms would hinder progress and emphasized the need to adapt to changing times. He highlighted the inclusion of gig workers in the new codes for improved social security.
