The 24-hour nationwide strike organized by central trade unions has stirred a familiar discussion in Kerala, where shutdowns are criticized for disrupting public life. Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan, speaking during the UDF’s ‘Puthuyuga Yathra’ in Kozhikode, questioned why strikes in Kerala lead to a complete shutdown while life in other states remains largely unaffected. Satheesan highlighted the need for a public discourse on the relevance of total shutdowns during national strikes.
While the Left’s yatras are paused, Satheesan emphasized that the Congress supports the demands of trade unions but finds the enforcement method in Kerala outdated. He pointed out that states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Delhi witness strikes without bringing life to a halt, unlike Kerala. Satheesan urged for a shift towards engaging with the public directly rather than disrupting essential services through strikes.
Satheesan criticized the ruling CPI-M for endorsing the strike in Kerala while not employing similar tactics during its governance in West Bengal and Tripura. He argued that protest methods causing daily life disruptions without effectively conveying demands have become outdated. The UDF leader advocated for reaching out to the people through outreach programs instead of resorting to total shutdowns.
The nationwide strike, supported by central trade unions like CITU, aims to caution the Narendra Modi government against perceived pro-corporate and anti-people policies. The protest has seen participation from government employees, banking and insurance workers, as well as those in coal, electricity, and defense sectors. Agricultural groups have also joined the strike, signaling a potential shift in India’s protest landscape.
