Noida Protest: Rahul Gandhi Targets Modi Government, Questions Labour Codes

A day after workers in Noida’s industrial hubs launched their protest demanding a wage hike, Indian National Congress on Tuesday alleged that India’s workforce is living under ‘immense pressure’ because of the ‘failed policies’ of the Modi government.

The party said the violence that followed in Noida reflected a deeper sense of despair among workers struggling with low wages, inflation and rising urban living costs.

Backing the protesters, Rahul Gandhi posted on X, “What happened yesterday on the roads of Noida was the final cry of this country's workers—one whose every voice was ignored, who grew weary from endless pleading.”

The protest had started yesterday in the industrial belt over demands for better salaries, but the agitation intensified by Monday evening.

Protest That Began Yesterday Turns Violent In Phase 2

The labour protest, which started as a wage hike demonstration, turned violent in Noida’s Phase 2 and nearby sectors.

Protesters pelted stones, torched vehicles including police SUVs and vandalised public property, leading to massive traffic snarls in key industrial routes.

Police used mild force to disperse the crowd, after which heavy deployment was put in place across Gautam Buddh Nagar. Senior officers and sufficient police personnel have been stationed at sensitive locations to prevent further flare-ups.

Authorities also appealed to residents not to pay attention to rumours or share unverified information as the city remained tense but under control.

Rahul Gandhi Preserves Focus On Wages, Rent And Inflation

In his sharp political response, Rahul Gandhi highlighted the widening gap between salaries and living costs.

He said, “A worker in Noida earns a monthly salary of Rs 12,000; rent costs Rs 4,000–7,000. By the time he gets a Rs 300 annual raise, the landlord hikes the rent by Rs 500 a year.”

He further added, “Noida's worker is demanding Rs 20,000. This isn't greed—it's his right, the sole foundation of his life.”

The remarks have turned the Noida wage hike protest into a wider national conversation around worker salaries, debt pressure and inflation-led distress.

WhatsApp Groups Under Scanner In Fresh Mobilisation Probe

As the investigation widens, police are closely examining the role of WhatsApp groups allegedly used to mobilise protesters overnight.

Officials suspect that QR codes were used to rapidly add participants into multiple groups, some of which carried names resembling labour unions and worker organisations.

These digital channels are believed to have been used to coordinate fresh gatherings on Tuesday in Phase 2 and adjoining sectors, making the online mobilisation angle a key focus of the probe.

Two X handles have already been booked for allegedly spreading rumours related to the Noida unrest.

Noida Protest: Why Noida’s Workers Want Salaries On Par With Haryana

State Forms Panel As Labour Unrest Grows

The Uttar Pradesh government has now formed a special panel to address the wage dispute and help de-escalate the situation.

Police have also warned that those spreading anarchy, rumours or misleading information will face strict legal action.

While the protest started yesterday as a demand for higher wages, it has now expanded into a larger debate on labour rights, salary pressures and the cost of living crisis facing workers in industrial cities like Noida.