By Agartala Correspondent | Tripura 24.in AGARTALA | May 1, 2026
AGARTALA: Undeterred by the severe weather conditions and the prevailing “Red Alert” in the state, the Socialist Unity Centre of India (Communist) successfully observed May Day at the Battala point in Agartala today. Despite heavy downpours and gusty winds that have disrupted normal life across West Tripura, party members and labor activists gathered to hoist the red flag and reaffirm their commitment to the rights of the working class.
The program was part of a state-wide call by SUCI (C) to honor the martyrs of the 1886 Haymarket affair and to protest against what they term “anti-labor” policies of the current administration.
Labor Rights Above the Elements
As torrential rain lashed the capital since the early hours of Friday, most public outdoor activities were cancelled. However, SUCI (C) leaders and workers arrived at the Battala market area—one of the city’s busiest commercial and labor hubs—to conduct their scheduled commemorative meeting.
Highlights of the Program:
- Flag Hoisting: The event began with the hoisting of the party flag amidst slogans of “Inquilab Zindabad” and “May Day Amar Rahe.”
- Tribute to Martyrs: Leaders offered floral tributes to a temporary memorial, honoring those who fought for the eight-hour workday.
- Resilience: Many participants were seen holding banners and flags while drenched in rain, symbolizing the “unbreakable spirit” of the proletariat.
“The Struggle Continues”: State Leadership
Addressing the small but determined gathering under umbrellas, SUCI (C) speakers criticized both the central and state governments for the rising inflation and the implementation of new labor codes.
”A bit of rain cannot stop the voice of the workers. Just as the laborers of Chicago faced bullets for our rights, we are here today to show that no natural or political disaster can dampen our struggle. We demand an end to the contractualization of jobs and a guaranteed minimum wage that matches the current cost of living,” a senior party member stated during the rally.
Context: Red Alert in Tripura
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had extended a Red Alert for West Tripura and Sepahijala districts for May 1, predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall (up to 20 cm). While the inclement weather kept most citizens indoors and caused waterlogging in several low-lying pockets of Agartala, the SUCI (C) program at Battala stood out as a rare public demonstration of political activity on this international labor holiday.
Call for Solidarity
The committee concluded the event by urging all labor unions, regardless of political affiliation, to unite against the “privatization of public sectors.” Following the Battala program, small-scale indoor discussions were also reportedly held in various party offices across the city to mark the occasion.
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