By TC News Desk
Agartala, 3rd July 2025: A large procession led by the CPIM swept through Dharmanagar today in support of the all-India general strike scheduled for July 9. The strike called by ten central trade unions and various labor federations centers around a 17-point demand charter including a call to repeal the new labor code.
The rally began at noon from the CPIM subdivision office, saw participation from workers, student and youth groups, and mass organizations. Leaders, including CITU State Vice President Amitabh Datta, CPIM Subdivision Secretary Abhijit Dey and former minister Bijita Nath urged collective action to defend workers’ rights.
Security forces, including police, TSR, and paramilitary units, were deployed to maintain order. While the rally remained peaceful, speakers delivered strong messages calling for a unified national response.
Meanwhile, five Left parties jointly held a protest rally and public meeting in Udaipur ahead of nationwide general strike on July 09 voicing a 17-point charter of demands aimed at safeguarding workers’ rights and addressing socio-economic issues.
The demonstration began with a procession through various parts of Udaipur city culminating in a gathering outside the CPIM party office. Leaders including CPI (ML) state secretary Partha Karmakar, CPIM sub-divisional secretary Dilip Datta and district secretary Parimal Debnath addressed the crowd.
Among the key demands raised were: Repeal of the Labour Codes that replaced 29 existing labour laws; Recognition of the right to work as a fundamental right; Provision of 200 days of guaranteed work per year under REGA, with a Rs 600 daily wage; Repeal of the Electricity Amendment Bill, 2022; Measures to curb price rise and enhance education, health, and employment; and Support for farmers and agricultural workers.
Speaking at the event, CPI (ML) state secretary Partha Karmakar emphasized that the demonstration aimed to generate public awareness and pressure the government into action. “These demands reflect the core needs of the working class and the broader populace,” he said, expressing hope that the July 9 strike would garner widespread support.
The strike, initially scheduled for May 20, was postponed to July 9 following the May 15 national meeting of central trade unions and sectoral federations in Delhi. The decision came in the wake of a terrorist attack that claimed 26 lives, prompting a reassessment of the strike timeline amid national tensions.
Support for the strike has grown steadily, with farmers’ unions, agricultural labour organizations, and the All India Kisan Morcha pledging their endorsement. Protest rallies and deputations are also planned across factories and industries to protest what the unions described as the “anti-worker and anti-people policies” of both the central and state governments.
