All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) State president T.J. Anjalose has accused the Narendra Modi government at the Centre of completely neglecting the interests of workers and farmers across the country.

He was speaking after flagging off a rally organised here on Saturday in connection with the AITUC National General Council.

“The Centre is adopting policies that ignore millions of workers and farmers. Several hard-earned labour rights are being steadily eroded under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) regime,” he said.

Mr. Anjalose warned that new Labour Codes being implemented by the Centre would reduce workers to “mere slaves,” and called for united resistance. “Workers across the country will come together for a nationwide agitation in August against these policies,” he added.

Highlighting the historical significance of labour struggles, he said the rally also aimed to remind the younger generation of the sacrifices made to secure basic rights. “This is a land where people fought for the right to walk, to learn, and to earn wages. Many rights we now take for granted were won through such struggles,” he said.

He further alleged that several rights gained during the British era through sustained protests are now being diluted. “The current regime is systematically weakening labour protections,” he said.

The rally was a re-enactment of Kerala’s first May Day procession held in 1936 from Anchu Vilakku, in Thrissur. The march featured traditional band music and seven flag-bearing leaders in remembrance of those who led the historic protest.

AITUC district president V.S. Prince presided over the function.