Will the Odisha Congress Support the Nationwide Strike by Central Trade Unions?
Synopsis
The Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee has announced its support for a nationwide strike on February 12, organized by central trade unions. This strike is a response to the Union Government's controversial policies impacting labor rights. With ongoing statewide agitations, the Congress aims to amplify the voices of those affected by these changes.
Key Takeaways
Odisha Congress supports the nationwide strike on February 12.
Protests target anti-labor laws and policies by the Union Government .
Involvement of over 10 central trade unions and 50 independent organizations.
Key demands include the preservation of MGNREGA and farmer rights.
Statewide agitations ongoing for two months.
Bhubaneswar, Feb 9 (NationPress) The Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) has officially declared its backing for the upcoming nationwide strike, scheduled for February 12, organized by multiple central trade unions. This strike aims to protest against the alleged anti-people laws and policies implemented by the Union Government.
In a statement released by the Odisha Congress, OPCC President Bhakta Charan Das stated that the party has consistently been participating in nationwide strikes, protests, and hunger strikes due to the central government's introduction of the anti-labor Viksit Bharat — Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025 (VB–G RAM G) while repealing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), which has been a critical support system since the UPA era.
Das elaborated that the party is committed to supporting this strike called by 10 central trade unions, including the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS), All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU), LPF, and UTUC, in addition to more than 50 independent organizations from various sectors such as banking, insurance, and state and central employees’ groups. This collective effort aims to protest against the replacement of MGNREGA and seek the repeal of the four anti-labor codes enacted by the Union Government.
It’s important to note that, as per OPCC's directives, all District Congress Committees throughout the state have been actively organizing statewide protests for the last two months, advocating for the provision of 300 units of free electricity for household consumers and a complete waiver of electricity charges for farmers.
Das accused the farmers in Odisha of enduring significant hardships due to the mismanagement of paddy procurement, urea, and other essential goods, which has led to severe struggles.
In his remarks, Das commended the central trade unions for placing emphasis on critical issues such as MGNREGA, electricity, and the challenges faced by farmers in their strike call.
Significantly, a delegation from INTUC visited OPCC President Das at the Congress state headquarters in Bhubaneswar on Saturday to garner support for the strike planned for February 12.
Point of View
The support of the Odisha Congress for the upcoming nationwide strike underscores the escalating tensions between labor unions and the Union Government. The situation reflects broader concerns regarding labor laws and the welfare of farmers, suggesting a significant moment for political discourse and potential policy reassessment.
NationPress
7 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the nationwide strike?
The nationwide strike aims to protest against the alleged anti-people legislations and policy measures by the Union Government, particularly concerning labor rights and farmer issues.
Which organizations are involved in the strike?
The strike is backed by 10 central trade unions, including CITU, AITUC, INTUC, and various independent organizations from different sectors.
What are the key issues highlighted by the Congress party?
Key issues include the replacement of MGNREGA, demands for free electricity for households, and a waiver of electricity charges for farmers.
When is the strike scheduled to take place?
The strike is scheduled for February 12.
How has the Congress party been engaging with the public regarding these issues?
The Congress party has organized statewide agitations and protests over the past two months to raise awareness about these critical issues.
