A united front of farmers launched a nationwide movement demanding the removal of the minister who oversaw the finalization of the deal, calling him a liar and a traitor who surrendered the interests of millions.

The strike was called jointly by the worker unions and farmers groups to demand the withdrawal of the anti-people policies, such as the four new labor codes and the recently signed trade deals with the US and the EU.

Millions will stop work on Thursday demanding the withdrawal of the new anti-worker labor codes, restoration of the rural employment guarantee act, and the protection of the country’s sovereignty and the secular-democratic constitution.

The introduction of four new labor codes and the repeal of the national rural employment guarantee program by the ultra-right-wing government is widely opposed, as it may further increase the economic misery of India’s majority working population.

Rejecting the government’s claims of development, farmers successfully protested against an ethanol plant over its potential impact on ground water depletion and regional environment.

After a five-year suspension due to united opposition by trade unions in the country, the Narendra Modi government suddenly announced the implementation of the unpopular labor codes last week.

In comparison to their counterparts in the US and Europe, Indian farmers get very little to no support from the government assuring profitability of their labor which makes them highly dependent on protection from foreign competition

The Narendra Modi-led government withdrew tariffs on cotton imports. The decision is expected to affect millions of cotton growers in the country who have already been struggling for fair prices for decades now.

Opposition groups, trade and farmers’ unions demanded the government of India explore alternative international mechanisms, such as the BRICS, to counter US imperialist moves

The strike was called by the trade unions and farmers groups against anti-workers labor codes and failures of the government to enact a legal support price for farm products.

The ultra-right-wing government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been pushing for corporate entry into Indian agriculture, despite opposition from the majority of Indian farmers.

Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) continues to build unity amongst farmers’ organizations in its struggle against the pro-corporate agriculture policies of the Narendra Modi government.