Congress Backs Nationwide Strike, Demands Restoration and Strengthening of MGNREGA

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, February 12, 2026

Tripura Pradesh Congress Committee president Asish Kumar Saha on Wednesday announced the party’s support for the nationwide strike scheduled for February 12, alleging that recent policy changes by the BJP-led Central government have adversely impacted workers and rural households.

Speaking at a press conference at Congress Bhavan in Belonia following an organisational meeting, Saha criticised the introduction of four labour codes, claiming that they have weakened safeguards previously available to labourers and tilted the balance in favour of corporate interests. He further alleged that the Centre was attempting to dilute key provisions of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), which provides a statutory guarantee of wage employment to rural families.

Saha expressed concern that any reduction in work opportunities under the scheme would severely affect economically weaker sections in rural areas. He urged workers, farmers and other sections of society to participate in the strike called by trade unions backed by opposition parties.

The TPCC president also informed that the Congress has launched a nationwide campaign from January 10 to protect and strengthen MGNREGA. As part of this initiative, the party will organise a “Save MGNREGA” march to the Raj Bhavan on February 17. Senior party leaders were present at the press conference.

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