Yogi Adityanath govt bans strikes and protests for six months

The Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government has announced a six-month ban on strikes and demonstrations in its departments, corporations, and local authorities. The decision has been implemented under the Uttar Pradesh Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA), according to an official statement.

State BJP spokesperson Manish Shukla stated that the move is in preparation for significant upcoming events, including the grand Kumbh Mela and other important programmes. The measure is intended to ensure uninterrupted access to essential services for both residents and visiting devotees during these occasions.

The principal opposition party in Uttar Pradesh, the Samajwadi Party (SP), has criticised the ban, labelling it "undemocratic." SP MLC Ashutosh Sinha told PTI that the decision violates the constitutional rights of individuals and government employees to express their views. "It seems the government is trying to suppress public expression," he commented.