Indian farmers, trade organizations launch countrywide strike against Modi govt’s policies
New Delhi: In India, the Sanyukta Kisan Morcha and more than 10 farmer organizations, as well as central trade unions, have launched a nationwide strike against the Modi government’s policies.
According to Kashmir Media Service, farmers and trade organizations have taken to the streets to protest against the India-US trade agreement, the New Labour Code, the Electricity Bill 2025, the Seed Bill 2025 and the VBG Ramji Act 2025. Several opposition parties have also supported the protest.
A statement issued by the Sanyukta Kisan Morcha said that the protest is being held in favour of demands such as withdrawal of the New Labour Code and rejection of the proposed laws related to electricity and seeds.
The organization has claimed that the Platform of Agricultural Workers’ Organizations and the NREGA Sangh Morcha are also involved in this protest.
Representatives of trade unions have told the media that lakhs of workers from almost all sectors are involved in the strike.
On the appeal of farmer organizations, a large number of farmers are also joining the protest and expressing solidarity with industrial workers.
Industrial and farmer organizations say that the Modi government’s economic policies are aimed at benefiting corporate families.
The most serious objections of farmer organizations are to the Electricity Bill 2025 and the Seed Bill 2025 under which electricity rates have been increased for farmers and domestic consumers and smart meters are being installed.
Fears have been expressed regarding the Seed Bill that it will increase the influence of multinational companies and the prices of seeds will be fixed arbitrarily.
Farmers have demanded that the smart meter project be stopped and all consumers be given up to 300 units of free electricity.
On the VBG Ramji Act 2025, which has been implemented as an alternative to MGNREGA, labour organizations say that employment was guaranteed in rural areas under MGNREGA, but the new law may affect this right. Energi Sangh Morcha and Sanyukta Kisan Morcha have called it an attack on rural employment by the government.
The India-US trade agreement has also been severely criticized by farmers and labor organizations. The import of cheap agricultural and dairy products from the United States may harm local farmers.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has also supported the Bharat Bandh (strike) and said that lakhs of workers and farmers are raising their voices for their rights.
