In a display of dissent against the Central Government’s alleged anti-worker policies, leaders from the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and several affiliated trade unions in Andhra Pradesh staged a demonstration on February 12. The protest was in response to a ‘Bharat Bandh’ call given by a coalition of ten central trade unions.
The protest began at the Ratham Centre in One Town, where a large rally took place, with participants holding placards and voicing their discontent against the ruling party. The rally culminated at the Lenin Centre, where leaders from the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and CPI, along with representatives of various trade unions, expressed concern over the shrinking space for public sector undertakings in favor of private entities.
The protestors criticized the current policies as being detrimental to the interests of the working class, both at the Centre and in the State government led by the TDP. They called for a united and sustained movement to challenge these policies, which they view as harmful to their cause.
Despite the sizeable turnout and passionate speeches, the protest had no discernible effect on businesses, schools, or banks, all of which continued to operate normally during the event.
