Bharat Bandh LIVE: Congress backs nationwide strike; Rahul Gandhi, Kharge attack Centre over trade deal and labour laws

Bharat Bandh LIVE: Congress backs nationwide strike; Rahul Gandhi, Kharge attack Centre over trade deal and labour laws

**Nationwide Protests Erupt as Opposition Unites Against Government Policies**

A significant nationwide strike, dubbed “Bharat Bandh,” commenced today, drawing widespread participation from various trade unions, farmer organizations, and labor groups. The opposition Congress party has publicly declared its support for the demonstrations, with prominent leaders launching sharp critiques against the central government’s recent policies.

At the forefront of the opposition’s concerns are the government’s new trade agreements, revised labor laws, and alleged reductions in funding for the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge articulated the broad discontent, stating that “all the country’s trade unions, farmers, and workers are on the streets against the Modi government’s trade deal, labor laws, and the ‘snatching away of MGNREGA’.” This sentiment appears to resonate with a substantial segment of the workforce, as evidenced by the extensive mobilization across multiple states.

The protests, which began in the early hours of the morning, have impacted various sectors, including transportation, banking, and retail. Reports indicate that essential services are being maintained in many areas, but disruptions are evident in others, particularly in regions with a strong presence of protesting groups. The Congress party has urged its members and supporters to participate peacefully in the demonstrations, emphasizing the need for a unified voice against what they term as anti-worker and anti-farmer legislation.

Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also addressed the ongoing situation, echoing Kharge’s sentiments and directing criticism towards the government’s economic agenda. Gandhi has consistently voiced concerns about the impact of the new labor codes, arguing that they will erode workers’ rights and weaken the bargaining power of unions. He has also been a vocal advocate for the continuation and strengthening of the MGNREGA, highlighting its crucial role in providing a social safety net for rural populations. The participation of prominent leaders like Gandhi and Kharge underscores the strategic importance the Congress party is placing on this nationwide agitation.

The government, in response to the widespread protests, has maintained that the new labor laws are aimed at streamlining regulations, enhancing worker welfare, and boosting economic growth. Officials have also defended the trade agreements as being in the nation’s best interest, designed to foster international commerce and create new opportunities. Regarding MGNREGA, the government has stated that allocations are being managed responsibly and that the program remains a priority. However, these assurances have done little to assuage the concerns of the protesting groups, who remain steadfast in their demands for policy reversals.

The “Bharat Bandh” signifies a critical juncture in the ongoing dialogue between the government and its various stakeholders. The scale of the protests and the unified stance of the opposition suggest that the issues raised are deeply felt and will likely continue to be a focal point of political discourse. The coming days will reveal the extent to which these demonstrations influence policy decisions and the government’s approach to labor, trade, and rural employment initiatives. The outcome of these widespread protests could have significant implications for the socio-economic landscape of the nation.

This article was created based on information from various sources and rewritten for clarity and originality.