Knowing well that the working class would be fighting from the front ranks to resist the retrograde policies, the government of the exploiters was always keen to weaken their organized potential. The sole purpose of their so-called labour reforms was focused on it.

Though they named it labour codes in essence and purpose they are anti labour codes. Joining the strike crores and crores of workers have cautioned the government that the weapons in their armory will not be sufficient to diffuse the class consciousness and fighting spirit of the workers of India.

The same day, the 8th of January, at the call of the joint platform of peasant organizations the farmers of India organised Bharat Grameen hartal raising the burning issues of Indian peasantry. Workers and peasants are trying to write a new chapter in India's struggle for emancipation and social progress. This day of the historic strike marks a turning point in contemporary Indian history. Its significance is to be evaluated along with the ongoing militant actions taken up by the campuses across the country.

Reminding the stormy days of freedom struggle, the young generation, especially the students have valiantly raised the fortress of resistance against the Modi government. Their call against CAA, NPR and NRC shows that a new generation has come to the scene in defense of the Indian constitution. Sometimes in history it happens. Suddenly the constitution which is the embodiment of goals of free India has become the rallying point of the resistance movement in the country.

Its preamble which upholds the resolve of we the people," to constitute India into a sovereign, democratic, secular, socialist republic" has ignited a new awakening all over the country. The government is so frightened that they unleashed repressive measures and vandalism in campuses and hostels. But the student agitation gather momentum as new and new sections including intellectuals, cultural activists, artists and professionals came out in support of them.

Now the workers and peasants have also come to the arena. Of course along with basic slogans of the toiling masses which is intertwined with the economic policies of the government, January 8 general strike has also highlighted the country's resentment against CAA, NPR and NRC. This provides a qualitatively new dimension to the ongoing mass upsurge. The workers and peasants organisations are expected to sit together and decide the future course of their action.

If it is taken to the logical directions more militant and massive interventions of various forces that includes workers, students, peasants, intellectuals, women and other concerned sections would emerge. The struggle for democratic rights and economic restructuring would acquire a political nature which would have far reaching implications. The communists and the left forces are urged by our times to rise up to the occasion and dedicate their united might to strengthen and broaden the mass actions which can open new vistas before the country. (IPA Service)