Mass Arrests in Guna After Workers' Protest Against New Labor Codes

Workers and Farmers Protest New Labor Codes

Guna witnessed a significant protest on Monday, August 10, 2026, with a large number of workers and farmers demonstrating at the Collectorate. The demonstration, called by the Joint Trade Union Front and the Joint Kisan Morcha, was in opposition to the four labor codes notified by the central government, culminating in mass arrests.

During the protest, activists raised slogans against the central government and adopted an aggressive stance regarding their demands. Prior to the demonstration, an open assembly was organized at the Dak Bungalow premises, attended by leaders from various trade unions and employee organizations, including CITU and INTUC.

Criticism of Government Policies

Addressing the assembly, prominent leaders voiced strong criticism of the central government's policies. Speakers included CITU State Vice President Dr. Vishnu Sharma, District President Surendra Saini, General Secretary Girish Kashyap, Gyanesh Mer, Anganwadi Union leader Kiran Tiwari, Krishna Kushwah, Asha-Usha Union leaders Mithilesh Goswami and Ramvati Shikari, and INTUC leader Rajendra Tiwari.

Opposition to Labor Codes

The leaders expressed deep anger over the central government's notification of the four labor codes and the release of their rules. They alleged that the primary objective of these codes is to weaken trade unions, abolish the right to strike, increase working hours, and endanger worker safety.

The leaders believe these codes are against the interests of the working class and cannot be accepted under any circumstances. They argued that these codes are an attack on the right to strike.

Rally and Mass Arrests

Following the assembly, all workers and leaders marched in a large rally towards the Collectorate, carrying banners and flags. Upon reaching the Collectorate premises, they intensified their protest and chanted slogans against the central government. Although the police attempted to stop the demonstrators, they remained firm on their demands and ultimately underwent mass arrests.

Memorandum Submitted to Governor

At the conclusion of the protest, representatives of the Joint Front submitted a memorandum to the District Collector, addressed to the Governor. The memorandum demanded the immediate cancellation of the four labor codes by the central government.

The memorandum warned that if their demands are not addressed, they will be compelled to undertake stronger movements in the future. This protest has highlighted the growing discontent among the working class in Guna.