Noida, Uttar Pradesh, April 13, 2026:
Reacting to the recent unrest involving factory workers in Noida, Congress leader Ajay Rai has alleged that the incident is a reflection of anti-labour and anti-youth policies of the state government.
The remarks come in the wake of developments at Motherson Industries in Noida, where workers had been staging a peaceful protest for the past three days over demands related to wage increases. According to reports, the situation escalated when police intervened and carried out a lathi charge to disperse the protesting workers. Tear gas shells were also reportedly used during the action.
There are reports of several workers sustaining injuries during the police action, although the exact number of injured individuals has not been officially confirmed. The incident has sparked political reactions, with opposition leaders questioning the handling of the protest and the response of the administration.
Ajay Rai criticized the state government led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, alleging that workers were misled in the name of wage revision. He claimed that instead of a meaningful increase, workers were offered a nominal hike of ₹250–₹300, which he described as insufficient and deceptive, particularly for low-income labourers struggling with rising living costs.
He further stated that the use of force against workers who were protesting peacefully raises serious concerns about the government’s approach towards labour rights and employment issues. According to him, such incidents highlight the growing disconnect between policy decisions and ground realities faced by workers.
The incident at the industrial unit has intensified the broader debate around labour welfare, wage structures, and industrial relations in the state. It also comes amid ongoing tensions in Noida’s industrial areas, where workers have been raising concerns over salaries, working conditions, and job security.
Authorities have yet to release a detailed official statement regarding the sequence of events, while investigations and assessments of the situation are ongoing.
The development has added a political dimension to the already tense situation, with calls for accountability and dialogue between workers, management, and the administration to prevent further escalation.
