Tripura BJP leader and former MP Rabati Tripura on February 10 took aim at the nationwide bandh called by Left Front-backed trade unions, describing it as an attempt to stall the country’s economic activity. The strike is scheduled for February 12.
Speaking to reporters, Tripura said he failed to see any solid reason behind the bandh call. Referring to recent protests, he mentioned demonstrations over the new VB G RAM G Act and certain labour issues, but argued that the demands did not carry broader national significance.
“There are no such demands that will benefit the country or strengthen the economy,” he said. Calling the shutdown a familiar political exercise, he added that such bandhs are organised “almost every year just to remind people of their presence.”
He also questioned claims that the strike was being held in the interest of farmers and workers. According to him, a bandh would only disrupt normal life and hit daily wage earners the hardest.
“If there is a bandh, everything comes to a standstill. Work stops. Daily wage workers suffer the most. So who really gains from this?” he asked.
Emphasising that disruption cannot be a solution, the former MP said BJP-led governments at both the Centre and in states were introducing policies and schemes aimed at improving the lives of workers and labourers.
“This is nothing but an effort to paralyse the nation’s economy. People will not accept such bandhs,” he said.