By Tripura24 News Desk | Agartala Wednesday, February 4, 2026
AGARTALA: Intensifying their opposition against the central government’s economic and labor policies, the Left trade unions of Tripura have officially extended their support to the Nationwide General Strike scheduled for February 12, 2026. At a press conference held at the CITU State Headquarters in Agartala today, senior Left leaders issued a clarion call to the working class to paralyze the state in protest of the “draconian” Labour Codes and the recently announced Union Budget.
Protest Against the “Slavery” Labour Codes
The primary focus of the press meet was the impending implementation of the four new Labour Codes. The leadership of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) alleged that these codes would effectively turn workers into “modern-day slaves” by stripping away their right to strike, collective bargaining, and job security.
“The central government is on a mission to sell the country to a few corporate houses. These new Labour Codes are not reforms; they are weapons to destroy the trade union movement. On February 12, the wheels of the nation will stop to remind the government that the country runs on the sweat of its workers, not on corporate profits,” a senior CITU leader stated.
Key Demands of the February 12 Strike:
The Left leadership outlined a charter of demands, which includes:
- Repeal of Labour Codes: Immediate withdrawal of the four Labour Codes that replace 29 existing labor laws.
- MNREGA Restoration: Scrapping the new VB-G RAM G Act and restoring the original 100-day work guarantee with increased wages.
- Controlling Inflation: Urgent government intervention to control the skyrocketing prices of essential food items and fuel.
- Stop Privatization: Halt the disinvestment and privatization of public sector undertakings (PSUs), including banks, insurance, and electricity.
- Social Security: Implementation of universal social security for unorganized sector workers and the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).
Critique of Union Budget 2026
The leaders also slammed the Union Budget 2026-27, calling it a “hollow document” that ignores the burning issue of unemployment. They argued that the budget has failed to provide relief to the middle class while granting massive tax exemptions to large industrialist families.
Solidarity with Farmers and Bank Unions
The CITU leadership confirmed that the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) has extended its full solidarity to the strike. Furthermore, several banking and insurance sector unions, including AIBEA and BEFI, have already served strike notices to join the direct action on February 12.
The Roadmap for Tripura
In Tripura, the Left-aligned unions will begin a massive outreach program starting tomorrow:
- Gate Meetings: Daily meetings at the gates of all government offices, hospitals, and industrial units.
- Torch Rallies: Evening moshals (torch-lit processions) across all sub-divisional towns on February 10 and 11.
- Massive Picketing: Plans for extensive picketing at railway stations, bus stands, and main markets on the day of the strike.
The press conference concluded with the leadership appealing to the common people of Tripura—including small traders and transport workers—to support the strike voluntarily to protect the democratic fabric and the economic rights of the state’s citizens.
