CITU to hold state conference, public rally in Agartala on November 10-11

 The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) Tripura unit on Wednesday announced that its state conference will be held on November 10 and 11, alongside a public rally in Agartala to highlight the plight of the working class and demand protection of labour rights.

Addressing a press conference here, CITU state president Manik Dey, general secretary Shankar Prasad Dutta, and leaders Panchali Bhattacharjee and Amitava Dutta said the conference would focus on strengthening the workers’ movement against the “anti-labour” policies of the BJP government.

Datta said CITU has been fighting relentlessly for the rights of working people and to alleviate their hardships. “Workers have suffered severe economic losses and attacks on their rights. Since 2018, many project workers and contractual labourers have been laid off, while construction workers too are facing immense difficulties. Such a situation has arisen because of the inefficiency and anti-people attitude of the BJP government,” he alleged.

He added that the state conference, to be held on November 10 and 11, would serve as a call to unite workers for stronger resistance. “The public rally on November 10 in Agartala will turn into a historic event,” Dutta said.

Speaking on the occasion, CITU state president Manik Dey said the organisation has remained a trusted platform for working people for over five decades. “For 55 years, CITU has stood by the working class, striving to preserve unity among labourers. But communal and divisive forces led by the RSS are trying to destroy that unity,” he said.

He informed media persons that Tripura currently has more than 1,08,000 CITU members, and over 400 delegates are expected to attend the upcoming state conference. The event will deliberate on strategies to counter communal and divisive forces and to strengthen collective struggles for workers’ rights.

Dey also criticised the BJP government for institutionalising corruption and facilitating large-scale privatisation. “The wealth of the nation is being sold off at throwaway prices to a handful of corporate families. This loot has made the future of the common people uncertain,” he said.

Alleging that the government is obstructing trade union activities in the state, Dey said, “We are being denied permission to organise programmes. While some collect huge sums through corrupt means, we only collect Rs 10–15 from members. Yet, we are being targeted.”

He pointed out that although CITU had sought permission to hold the public rally at the Astabal Ground, the authorities have not allowed it. “We have requested an alternative venue in front of the Rabindra Centenary Hall and hope permission will be granted,” he said.

The public rally will be held at 12 noon on November 10, ahead of the two-day state conference.