By Tripura24 News Desk | Agartala Monday, February 9, 2026
AGARTALA: In a strong display of dissent against current economic policies, the Amra Bangali Karshak and Shramajibi Samaj (the farmers and workers wing of the Amra Bangali party) organized a massive demonstration in front of the party’s state headquarters today. The protest was aimed at highlighting the deepening crisis in the agricultural sector and the “systematic marginalization” of the working class in Tripura and across the nation.
Protest Against FDI and Corporate Dominance
Addressing the gathering, the leaders of the Karshak Samaj launched a stinging attack on the central government’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policies. They alleged that the uncontrolled entry of multi-national corporations (MNCs) and large-scale shopping malls has crippled small-scale local businesses and traditional markets.
“India is an agrarian nation, yet today, it is becoming a playground for foreign corporations. While big malls and online giants are flourishing, our local farmers and small traders are being pushed toward bankruptcy. The government is active in protecting corporate interests but remains indifferent to the tears of the tillers of the soil,” a senior leader of the Shramajibi Samaj stated.
Key Demands Placed During the Protest:
The organization placed a charter of demands before the state and central authorities, which includes:
- Industrial Status for Agriculture: They demanded that agriculture be formally recognized as an industry to ensure farmers receive the same benefits, subsidies, and credit facilities as industrial houses.
- Price Regulation: Immediate implementation of a fair pricing mechanism where the Minimum Support Price (MSP) is legally guaranteed for all crops based on the cost of production.
- Control on Agri-Inputs: A reduction in the prices of fertilizers, seeds, and pesticides, which have skyrocketed in recent months.
- Irrigation and Storage: Construction of modern cold storage facilities and improved irrigation systems in every block of Tripura to prevent seasonal crop losses.
- Employment Protection: A call to stop the conversion of agricultural land into commercial plots for real estate, which is threatening food security and local livelihoods.
The Plight of the Working Class
The Shramajibi Samaj representatives highlighted the rising unemployment rate in Tripura. They noted that due to a lack of industrial opportunities and the crisis in farming, thousands of youth from the state are being forced to migrate to other states for low-paying manual labor. The leaders demanded a “Block-level Planning” model where local industries are set up to process agricultural products, thereby creating local jobs.
Criticism of the “Smart City” Model
The speakers argued that the “Smart City” vision should not come at the cost of the poor. They claimed that recent evictions of street vendors and hawkers are part of a larger design to clear the way for corporate-owned retail spaces, leaving the common worker without a means of survival.
Future Course of Action
The protest concluded with the submission of a memorandum. The Amra Bangali leadership warned that if the government continues to ignore the plight of the farmers and workers, they will mobilize a statewide “Halla Bol” movement. They appealed to the Bengali community to unite beyond party lines to protect their economic existence and land rights.
