MILLIONS OF workers in India took part in nationwide protests today against new labour codes.

The protests, organised by a coalition of 10 major Indian trade unions, accused the far-right Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi of a “deceptive fraud” against workers.

Demonstrations were held in several parts of the country as unions representing millions of labourers and farmers accused the government of pushing through the overhaul, despite widespread opposition.

The government claims that the new framework will modernise outdated laws, improve efficiency and expand social protections.

But Tapan Sen, general secretary of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions, said: “Workers’ rights are being bulldozed and the government is justifying the move with a barrage of lies that the codes will benefit labourers.”

Amarjeet Kaur, general secretary of All India Trade Union Congress, described the new codes as “an attempt to push workers’ back to the colonial era where they can’t even raise their voice nor fight to form or legalise a trade union.”

Communist Party of India (Marxist) general secretary MA Baby said: “The unilateral notification of the four Labour Codes is the latest in a series of moves by the BJP-led union government that seeks to establish a jungle raj, where corporates are given a free hand to bulldoze the rights of working people and any resistance is criminalised.

The four codes — covering wages, industrial relations, social security and occupational safety — replace 29 labour laws that previously governed hiring, benefits and workplace standards across India’s formal and informal sectors.

The government hasn’t formally commented on the strike. It is usually dismissive of union demands or proposals.

New Delhi has defended the codes as long overdue, saying that a modern labour framework was essential to attract investment and increase formal jobs.

The BJP says it hopes the changes will encourage employers to expand operations, creating more secure employment over time.