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To create a narrative against the Narendra Modi government ahead of the 2019 general elections, the Opposition has fallen back on “people’s issues” and the mobilisation of trade unions, farmers’ outfits, and other frontal organisations.
On Wednesday, after a massive rally of workers and peasants in Delhi, where about two lakh people participated, the trade unions decided to hold a conclave on September 28 to announce a two-day general strike of workers. This will be followed by a march to Parliament on November 3 by youth organisations belonging to Opposition parties and a strike by Central government employees on November 15.
Various farmer organisations have decided to hold a ‘long march’ to Delhi which will reach the national Capital between November 28 and November 30. This march will be supported by trade unions too.
Talking to reporters at the venue of the protest rally of the CPI(M)’s frontal organisations — CITU, AIKS and AIAWU — party General Secretary Sitaram Yechury said the Narendra Modi government has to be voted out. “This is the war cry of the people. This government has cheated them. This government has to be removed. ,” Yechury said.
Congress backs protest
Principal Opposition party, the Congress, also supported the CPI(M)’s protests. “We stand with the farmers in their fight for getting an appropriate minimum support price MSP, loan waiver, and their rights on their land,” tweeted the Congress.
Accusing the Modi government of being hand-in-glove with corporate houses, Kisan Sabha President Ashok Dawale termed the dispensation an “Ambani-Adani government”. “It is a government of Vijay Mallya, Mehul Choksi and Lalit Modi. Lakhs of farmers and workers have come here. This struggle will intensify. We are warning the government, we will oust this government,” he said. Dawale also announced the future programmes of workers and peasants.
CITU General Secretary and CPI(M) Politbureau member Tapan Sen said the people would march to Delhi from 7-8 locations.
“Workers also will join this farmers agitation. On September 28, there will be a conclave of trade unions. We have decided to conduct a national hartal for two days. The dates will be decided at the conclave. The Central government employees will strike on November 15,” he said.
Former MP and farmer leader Hannan Mollah said for peasants, the Modi raj is one of traitors.
“Without addressing our concerns, you cannot solve the problems of the country. You will not be allowed to rule. RSS-BJP is misleading the country. In the name of Hindutva, you are ruining the country. Constitution is being raped by the RSS-BJP. Modi government did not heed the farmers for four years,” he said.
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