On Thursday, left organisations and labour groups staged a protest march in Patna in support of the nationwide general strike called by central trade unions. CPI(ML) General Secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya, along with several senior party leaders, participated in the demonstration.

The march commenced from Buddha Smriti Park and moved through different parts of the city before culminating in a public meeting at Dak Bungalow Square. Addressing the gathering, Bhattacharya alleged that the four Labour Codes weaken workers’ rights and favour corporate interests. He said that just as the farmers’ movement compelled the government to repeal the three farm laws, sustained workers’ struggles would force the withdrawal of the Labour Codes as well.

He stated that the strike received support from agricultural labourers, farmers, students and youth, reflecting growing discontent against government policies. On the issue of the rural employment guarantee scheme, he reiterated the demand for 200 days of assured employment and a minimum daily wage of ₹600, alleging that current policies are increasing rural unemployment.

Referring to the agriculture sector, Bhattacharya accused the government of framing policies in the interest of multinational corporations, which he claimed would adversely impact farmers and rural communities. He also criticised the New Education Policy, alleging that it promotes privatisation of education and weakens the federal structure.

The march was led by representatives of AICCTU, Khegramas, the All India Kisan Mahasabha, the Cooks’ Union, Aapda Mitra and other organisations. CPI(ML) State Secretary Kunal and several other leaders and workers were present at the programme.

Saroj Chaubey, Roshan Kumar and Shivsagar Sharma were among those who addressed the gathering. Earlier in the day, an auto drivers’ union had taken out a procession from Station Road, which later joined the main programme at Dak Bungalow Square.