Left-backed trade unions in Tripura including CITU and farmers’ organisations have launched a political campaign under the slogan “BJP Quit India”, calling for a nationwide Jail Bharo protest on August 10. Drawing inspiration from the 1942 Quit India Movement, the organisations accused the BJP-led government of pursuing anti-worker and anti-farmer policies while urging people from all sections of society to join the agitation.
Quick Glance
- Left organisations launch “BJP Quit India” campaign in Tripura.
- August 10 Jail Bharo protest planned at 21 locations across the state.
- Nationwide agitation expected at nearly 1,000 locations.
- Protest backed by an 11-point charter of demands.
- CITU leader Pabitra Kar calls for a united movement of workers, farmers, students and youth.
Leaders Invoke Quit India Legacy Against BJP
Agartala August 07: The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS), Tripura Khet Mazdoor Union (TKMU) and Ganamukti Parishad (GMP) on Friday announced a statewide mobilisation for the August 10 protest.
Addressing a press conference in Agartala, veteran CITU leader Pabitra Kar said the campaign draws inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi’s Quit India Movement of 1942, which mobilised Indians against British colonial rule.
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“This time the call is ‘BJP Quit India’,” Kar said, alleging that workers, farmers and agricultural labourers are facing continuous attacks under the present government.
The organisations said the programme, traditionally observed on August 9 to commemorate the Quit India Movement, has been shifted to August 10 this year because August 9 falls on a Sunday.
Statewide Agitation Planned at 21 Locations
According to the organisers, the nationwide movement is expected to be held at around 1,000 locations, with participation from nearly one million people.
In Tripura, demonstrations have been planned at 21 locations, including a central programme in Agartala.
CITU State General Secretary Shankar Prasad Dutta expressed confidence that people from different districts of the state would participate in large numbers.
The organisations said the protest would be organised peacefully but would serve as a strong democratic expression against the Centre’s economic and labour policies.
Workers and Farmers at the Centre of the Campaign
The organisations released an 11-point charter of demands, focusing on employment, labour rights, agriculture, inflation and social welfare.
Among the major demands are:
- Repeal of the four labour codes and prevention of their implementation in Tripura.
- Guarantee of 200 days of employment under MGNREGA with a daily wage of Rs 700.
- Regular work under the TWEP scheme.
- Reduction in the prices of petrol, diesel, LPG and other essential commodities.
- Minimum Support Price (MSP) for agricultural produce based on the C2+50 per cent formula.
- Greater constitutional powers for the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) through the passage of the 125th Constitutional Amendment Bill.
- Government housing for poor and homeless families.
- Immediate repair of damaged roads, including national highways.
- Rollback of higher electricity tariffs and withdrawal of smart meters.
- Action against corruption, regularisation of irregular employees and stronger measures to ensure women’s safety.
Kar said these demands reflect the concerns of workers, farmers, agricultural labourers and economically weaker sections.
MSP, Labour Laws and Rural Employment Under Spotlight
Pabitra Kar argued that farmers continue to face severe economic hardship despite the withdrawal of the three farm laws after the year-long farmers’ agitation.
Referring to the protest that surrounded Delhi for more than a year, he claimed the Union Government had committed to implementing Minimum Support Price based on the C2+50 formula, but alleged that the promise remains unfulfilled.
He also criticised the labour reforms introduced by the Centre, alleging that they weaken legal protections for workers and reduce employment security.
The veteran trade union leader further claimed that agricultural labourers and rural workers are increasingly facing irregular employment opportunities and shrinking social security.
Appeal for Wider Opposition Unity
Kar urged workers, farmers, students, youth, women and democratic organisations to join the August 10 movement.
He said discussions had already been held with members of the Joint Platform of Trade Unions and other organisations that had expressed willingness to participate.
According to him, the movement is no longer limited to labour unions or farmers’ organisations but is evolving into a broader platform against policies affecting livelihoods.
“The issues concern every section of society,” he said while appealing for maximum public participation.
Criticism of BJP Government
The Left leaders also criticised the functioning of the BJP-led government, alleging that democratic institutions have come under increasing pressure.
Kar claimed Parliament has been unable to function effectively because of repeated political confrontations and accused the government of avoiding accountability.
He also referred to recent student and youth protests, claiming they demonstrated that sustained public mobilisation could compel governments to respond to public demands.
