Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday voiced support for nationwide protests led by workers’ unions and farmers’ organisations, framing the demonstrations as a defence of livelihoods amid contentious labour and trade reforms.Speaking as coordinated rallies and sit-ins were held across several states, Gandhi said those mobilising were raising “legitimate questions” about employment security, minimum support prices and the future of rural welfare schemes. He argued that policy changes affecting labour protections and agricultural markets were being pushed through without adequate consultation, and warned of long-term consequences for income stability in both the formal and informal sectors.
The protests, organised by a coalition of central trade unions and farmers’ groups, centred on concerns over the implementation of four consolidated labour codes, ongoing debates over agricultural market access, and apprehensions about funding and scope for the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act. Union leaders contend that while the labour codes aim to streamline compliance and modernise industrial relations, certain provisions could dilute safeguards related to collective bargaining, job security and social security benefits.
Gandhi said employment generation and rural purchasing power should remain at the heart of economic policy. He pointed to data showing uneven job growth and pressure on household incomes, arguing that labour-intensive sectors require stability and predictable regulation rather than abrupt changes. “Workers and farmers are not obstacles to growth; they are its foundation,” he said, calling for structured dialogue between the government, industry representatives and employee organisations.
Government officials have maintained that the labour codes, passed by Parliament between 2019 and 2020, consolidate 29 central labour laws into four streamlined frameworks covering wages, industrial relations, social security and occupational safety. They argue that the reforms will simplify compliance, encourage formalisation and attract investment by reducing legal complexity. Several states have already drafted rules to operationalise the codes, though full nationwide implementation has progressed unevenly.
On trade policy, farmers’ bodies have expressed anxiety about import liberalisation in certain commodities and the impact of global price volatility on domestic producers. Agriculture remains highly sensitive to international shifts in supply and demand, particularly in staples and edible oils. Protest leaders have called for legally guaranteed minimum support prices and greater clarity on procurement mechanisms, echoing demands that surfaced during earlier farm law agitations.
MGNREGA, which guarantees 100 days of wage employment to rural households, also featured prominently in the debate. Gandhi suggested that any curtailment of funding or eligibility would disproportionately affect vulnerable communities. The rural jobs programme has been credited by economists with acting as a counter-cyclical buffer during economic slowdowns, especially during periods of labour displacement. Critics, however, have questioned its efficiency, citing issues of delayed payments and uneven asset creation.
Trade union representatives involved in Thursday’s mobilisation said inflation and stagnant real wages were compounding concerns over job security. They also highlighted contractualisation and the growth of gig work as areas requiring clearer regulation and social protection. Industry groups, on the other hand, have argued that rigid labour laws historically discouraged hiring and that greater flexibility can stimulate enterprise and formal employment.
Political analysts see Gandhi’s intervention as part of a broader effort by the Congress party to align itself with organised labour and agrarian constituencies ahead of key state and national electoral contests. The party has sought to position itself as a counterweight to economic policies it describes as favouring large corporations over small producers and workers. Gandhi has consistently criticised privatisation moves and policies he says widen inequality.
The ruling establishment has rejected accusations of anti-worker bias, pointing to expanded social security coverage, digitalisation of compliance systems and infrastructure investment aimed at boosting manufacturing and logistics. Officials have also emphasised record levels of capital expenditure and initiatives to strengthen supply chains, arguing that sustainable job creation depends on higher growth.
Economists remain divided on the net impact of the labour codes and trade adjustments. Some note that consolidation of laws could reduce litigation and administrative burden, potentially benefiting both employers and employees if safeguards are enforced effectively. Others caution that without strong inspection mechanisms and grievance redressal systems, vulnerable workers may struggle to assert their rights.