Trade unions protest against central government’s ‘anti-people policies’

Amalapuram – Andhra Pradesh: Hundreds gather at the Dr. B R Ambedkar Konaseema District Collector’s Office for a Mahadharna (massive protest), voicing opposition to the BJP-led central government’s pro-corporate policies and demanding justice for workers and farmers.

Protest organized by CITU, AITUC, and Farmers’ Unions

The Mahadharna, held under the auspices of CITU, AITUC, and agricultural labor unions, was chaired by CITU District President N Balaram, Secretary G Durga Prasad, and AITUC District General Secretary Vasamsetty Satthiraju. State leaders including KVPS State Secretary Andra Malyadri and Agricultural Labor Union State President Dadala Subbarao also addressed the gathering.

Speakers condemned the central and state governments for neglecting the working class and farmers, accusing them of favoring corporates at the expense of public welfare.

Demands for workers’ and farmers’ rights

Leaders criticized the central government for failing to implement the Swaminathan Commission’s C+2+50% formula for farmers, which could have ensured fair prices for their produce. They highlighted the ongoing agrarian crisis, noting the high number of farmer suicides due to government inaction.

“The BJP government has handed over public wealth worth Rs 19.28 lakh crores to corporates through loan waivers, tax concessions, and incentives,” alleged Dadala Subbarao.

The protestors also demanded:

Immediate repeal of the labor codes that replaced 29 labor laws.
Recognition of Anganwadi, ASHA, and mid-day meal workers as formal workers.
Implementation of minimum wages of Rs 26,000 per month for workers.
Increased funding and expanded coverage of the Employment Guarantee Scheme.

Failures of central and state governments

Leaders accused the BJP government of undermining public sector industries by privatizing heavy industries, mines, and assets like the Visakha Steel Plant. “The BJP is implementing a policy of either selling or shutting down public sector enterprises,” said Andra Malyadri.

They also highlighted the plight of workers exploited under contract, outsourcing, and trainee systems. Malaka Subhashini, District Secretary of ASHA workers, noted, “Despite the Supreme Court’s orders, scheme workers are still denied their rights and recognition as workers.”

Call for Unity Against Divisive Policies

“The BJP and RSS are trying to divide the working class by inciting communalism. Our path is to unite workers and farmers to oppose these divisive policies,” said Andra Malyadri. Leaders urged solidarity among laborers and farmers, citing the repeal of the three farm laws in 2021 as proof of collective strength.

Participants in mahadharna

The massive protest saw participation from leaders across organizations, including former AITUC District President K Sattibabu, Agricultural Workers’ Union State Vice President Kaarem Venkateswara Rao, CITU District Treasurer K Krishnaveni, Tenant Farmers’ Union District Secretary Peethala Ramachandra Rao, leaders of public organizations Nimmakayala Venkatesh, Polamuri Srinivasa Rao, Bandi Venkatalakshmi, Bunga Satyanarayana, and Adilakshmi, Bandi Eswari, Ootala Venkatesh and Srinivasa Rao.

Leaders pledged to continue their fight against anti-people policies and pro-corporate reforms, with plans for protests across 500 districts in the coming days. “Resisting these policies is the only solution before us,” they said, urging the public to join the movement for justice and equality.