Senior trade union leader and All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) General Secretary Comrade Amarjeet Kaur on Friday said that in the present times, the struggle against exploitation cannot be limited to political resistance alone, but must also include strong social and cultural movements. She alleged that the rights earned by workers through decades of struggle are now under serious threat.
Addressing a public meeting during the inauguration of two halls at the Bihar AITUC headquarters — the Comrade Jagannath Sarkar Auditorium and the Comrade Gauri Ganguly Hall — Amarjeet Kaur accused the BJP-led central government of weakening labour protections through new labour codes. She stated that these changes have curtailed workers’ fundamental rights, including the right to strike, which she described as a blow to democratic values.
Speaking on international developments, the AITUC leader referred to the situation in Venezuela and expressed concern over what she termed growing threats of US imperialism. She said global developments demand vigilance, particularly from developing nations committed to protecting their sovereignty and democratic institutions. Emphasising global cooperation, she underlined the need to strengthen platforms such as the Non-Aligned Movement, SAARC and BRICS.
Highlighting unrest in India and neighbouring countries, Amarjeet Kaur said unemployment, rising prices and corruption are at the root of public discontent. However, she alleged that divisive forces are attempting to exploit these issues in favour of capitalist interests by promoting communal polarisation. She stressed that minorities across the world must be allowed to live with dignity and equal rights.
The AITUC General Secretary further alleged that right-wing forces are attempting to roll back the democratic and labour rights achieved through sacrifices made by workers and freedom fighters. She claimed that the current political leadership includes individuals who had no role in India’s freedom struggle but are now undermining democratic institutions and public welfare systems.
Calling upon workers to remain united, Amarjeet Kaur urged them to prepare for a sustained struggle to safeguard labour rights and protect democracy in the country.
The meeting was also addressed by All India Federation of University and College Teachers’ Organisations (AIFUCTO) General Secretary Prof Arun Kumar, who expressed concern over what he described as systematic damage to India’s education system. He warned that commercialisation of education poses a serious threat to the country’s future.
Leaders including Bihar State Agricultural Workers Union General Secretary Comrade Janki Paswan, CITU leader Comrade Arun Mishra, Marxist thinker Jabbar Alam and CITU leader R N Thakur also spoke at the event, highlighting issues related to workers’ rights, social justice and democratic values.
During the programme, a resolution condemning the US military action against Venezuela was unanimously adopted. Bihar AITUC leader Comrade Usha Sahni and Anganwadi workers felicitated Amarjeet Kaur by presenting her with a shawl.
Bihar AITUC General Secretary Comrade Ajay Kumar welcomed the gathering, while the programme was jointly chaired by Bihar AITUC President Comrade Gajnafar Nawab and Kedar Das Institute Vice President Prof Arun Kumar. The event was conducted by senior member Comrade Anil Rai. Cultural performances by Jan Sanskriti Manch added a social and artistic dimension to the programme.
