Black Day’ protest in Amalapuram against BJP’s anti-people policies

Andhra Pradesh : As part of a nationwide call, trade unions and farmer organizations held a protest in Amalapuram, condemning the BJP government’s policies on labour, agriculture, and privatization.

Protest against anti-labour and anti-farmer policies

On Monday, the Dr. B R Ambedkar Konaseema District Center in Amalapuram witnessed a Black Day protest, led by trade unions and agricultural labour organizations, in response to the All India Trade Union and Rythu Sanghams’ call. The protest at the clock pillar center was organized to denounce the BJP-led central government’s anti-labour, anti-farmer, and anti-people policies.

The protest was presided over by the District General Secretary of CITU, and prominent participants included Labour Women District Convenor K Krishnaveni, CITU District Secretary N Balaram, and Agricultural Labour Union State Vice President Kaarem Venkateswara Rao.

Privatization policies and burden on people

Addressing the gathering, Kaarem criticized the BJP government for intensifying privatization and transferring the country’s wealth to corporate companies. He urged workers, peasants, and the general public to unite against these policies, which he said are putting a heavy burden on the nation’s people.

Key demands raised by protesters

The protestors raised several key demands, including the implementation of Professor Swaminathan’s recommendations to ensure farmers receive fair prices. They also called for the abolition of the four labour codes, citing their detrimental effects on workers’ rights.

Minimum wage and employment guarantee: The protestors demanded a minimum wage of Rs 26,000 for workers and urged the government to allocate Rs 2.5 lakh crore for the employment guarantee scheme, extending it to 200 days of work.

Opposition to privatization of public sector: The protesters called for halting the privatization of Visakha Steel Industries and other public sector companies, demanding that private procurement in public sector undertakings be stopped immediately.

Leaders who participated in the protest included Sakhi Suryanarayana, District General Secretary of the Agricultural Labour Union, Vice President Tadi Srirammurthy, CITU leaders Polamuru Srinivasa Rao, Baskara Rao, Sita, Vijaya, Ratnakumari, G Daiva Krupa, V Dorababu and District Secretary of Kaulu Rythu Sangham Peethala Ramachandra Rao.

The protest underscored growing dissatisfaction with the central government’s policies, urging immediate action to protect the interests of labourers and farmers.