On a joint call by CPI(ML) and other Left parties, a protest demonstration was held at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on April 24, 2026 in support of workers from Noida, Manesar, Panipat, Bhiwani and Faridabad. Workers, students and citizens from various parts of Delhi participated in large numbers.
Raising slogans demanding withdrawal of false cases against workers and immediate release of all arrested workers and activists, protesters also called for the implementation of a minimum wage of Rs 26,000 and guarantee of an eight-hour workday.
Addressing the gathering, AICCTU leader and CPI(ML) Central Committee member Shweta Raj said that CPI(ML) stands in solidarity with workers’ struggles across the country and strongly condemns the repression and arrests of workers and activists. She said that on the eve of the birth anniversary of Dr B.R. Ambedkar, the working class of the country has shown that workers’ unity cannot be broken and that the modern-day slavery being imposed by the BJP-corporate nexus will not go unchallenged. Workers have risen in resistance to assert their rights and dignity. She said it is shameful that workers who build the country are met with brutal repression, while the BJP regime brands them as conspirators even as corporate cronies of the Modi government continue to loot resources and livelihoods.
She added that repression will not break the strength of workers in their struggle against the anti-people policies of the BJP regime. The working-class movement will continue to grow stronger and break these chains of exploitation.
Other Speakers at the protest said that rising prices and low wages have pushed workers into deeper distress. They condemned the severe police repression unleashed on workers when they came out on the streets to demand their rights. Several workers have been jailed under false cases, while many remain untraceable. Families are being forced to run from pillar to post in search of their missing relatives and for securing bail.
They said it is shameful that workers demanding wages are being branded as anti-national and even called Pakistani by the BJP government. Workers are being forced to work 10 to 12 hours a day for meagre wages of Rs 7,000 to Rs 8,000. With the implementation of the labour codes, their condition is set to worsen further.
The protest put forward clear demands, including unconditional release of all workers, withdrawal of false cases, implementation of an eight-hour workday with a minimum wage of Rs 26,000, immediate repeal of the labour codes, measures to control price rise, and cancellation of licences of companies violating workers’ rights.
