The Shiv Sena Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (UBT) criticized the BJP for labeling the Noida labor protest as a “Pakistani Conspiracy.” The party accused the BJP of insulting India’s workforce and displaying a “cowardly mentality.” According to the Shiv Sena’s editorial in ‘Saamana,’ the BJP allegedly uses Pakistan as a political diversion from its governance and border security failures.
The editorial highlighted that similar accusations of “Pakistani or terrorist” involvement were made during past farmer protests in Delhi. It suggested that instead of addressing the legitimate economic concerns of laborers and farmers, the government tends to brand them as adversaries. The recent protest by workers from various sectors in Noida demanding higher wages due to economic hardships was also mentioned.
The protesters, mainly Hindus, faced challenges affording basic necessities like rent, food, education, and fuel. Despite peaceful intentions, the demonstrations turned violent, leading to arson and stone-pelting. The laborers claimed they resorted to such actions as both employers and the government ignored their economic plight. The editorial criticized the Uttar Pradesh Labor Minister’s statement linking the protest to a supposed Pakistani connection.
The Shiv Sena accused the BJP-led government of administrative incompetence for failing to curb infiltrators despite being in power for 12 years. It questioned the government’s inability to handle alleged ‘Pakistani handlers’ if they were truly involved in domestic protests. The editorial emphasized that such accusations of foreign interference undermine the rights of Indian citizens demanding fair compensation.
