Agartala, August 14, 2025: On the 83rd anniversary of the historic Quit India Movement, a coalition of ten central trade unions and the Sanyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) on Wednesday staged a protest across Tripura, defying police restrictions and accusing the government of selectively enforcing bans on public demonstrations.
The protest titled “Quit Corporate India,” was reportedly denied permission by local authorities, while a separate BJP-led march was allowed to proceed. “This is unfair. The ban was only for us. The Kisan Morcha and the trade unions will not accept this discrimination,” said Pabitra Kar, Convener of the Tripura chapter of SKM.
Despite the ban, the protest procession began from Bhanu Ghosh Smriti Bhavan and culminated at Paradise Chowmuhani, where a public meeting was held. Addressing the crowd, Kar declared, “We are calling for the protection of the country’s sovereignty and stopping corporate looting. Everyone should be ready for a larger movement.”
He criticized the Modi government’s silence on recent trade developments, including the India-UK Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) and the proposed India-US trade deal, which protesters referred to as “FETA-CITA.” Kar alleged, “The Prime Minister and his party are not protesting. They want to accept US domination by sacrificing the interests of agriculture and farmers of this country.”
The protest was also a response to US President Donald Trump’s recent announcement of a 50% trade tax on Indian goods and additional penalties for oil trade with Russia. “This is a shameless American attack on the Indian economy. We must protect the country’s sovereignty through a strong movement,” Kar said.
Kar further accused the Modi government of coming to power through “vote theft,” citing opposition leader Rahul Gandhi’s claims of electoral fraud. “The country has become agitated. It must be taken forward to save farmers and industrial organizations from bankruptcy,” he added.
CITU state Secretary Shankar Prasad Datta echoed concerns about the impact of US tariffs. “Trump has increased taxes on India for buying oil from Russia. As a result, the price of Indian products will rise in the US, and their sale will decrease or stop. The country’s industrial world will be affected,” Dutta warned.
He also condemned the Indo-British trade agreement, referred to by protesters as “SITA,” saying it undermines the economic independence of Indian farmers and workers. “The Modi government has completely sacrificed their interests,” Dutta said.
The rally was attended by students, youth, women and marginalized communities. Speakers including Raghunath Sarkar, Manik Pal and Joy Gobinda Debroy emphasized the need for continued resistance.
Kar concluded, “This is just the beginning. From today, the movement to leave the government that came through vote theft has started. We will prevent all dangers with the support of people from every section of society.”
