Workers and Farmers Rally Across Himachal Against Central Policies
Himachal Pradesh witnessed statewide strikes and rallies on Thursday as trade unions and farmers’ organizations came together to protest what they called the “communal and corporate nexus” of the Modi-led Central government.
Hundreds of workers—including Anganwadi and Mid-Day Meal staff, fruit and vegetable vendors, medical representatives, power board employees, ambulance staff, and bank and insurance workers—joined the demonstrations. Marches filled the bazaars of Mandi, Shimla, Hamirpur, Kullu, Chamba, and Joginder Nagar, with participants carrying flags and placards while raising slogans against policies they described as anti-worker and anti-farmer.
Union leaders accused the government of dismantling welfare measures like MGNREGA, passing anti-labor codes, and pushing privatization in sectors such as electricity. They demanded fair wages, regularization of scheme workers, reinstatement of job guarantees, and repeal of new labor laws.
Speeches across different towns highlighted concerns over international trade deals impacting farmers, as well as proposed amendments to the Electricity Act that employees fear will lead to privatization of the state power board.
The rallies reflected growing frustration among workers and farmers, who say they are fighting not just for wages and jobs, but for the protection of livelihoods and public services in Himachal Pradesh.
