Don’t Defame Workers As Naxals: SP chief Akhilesh Yadav slams Yogi govt amid Noida workers’ protest

The reaction of SP chief Akhilesh Yadav came amid unrest in Noida where protests by factory workers demanding a salary hike turned violent in several areas

Post Published By: Ayushi Bisht
Updated : 13 April 2026, 6:11 PM IST
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Noida: Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Monday launched a sharp attack on Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath over his remarks allegedly linking the Noida workers’ protest to a conspiracy and Naxal elements.

The remarks have intensified political tensions after a wage-related protest by industrial workers in Noida Phase 2 turned violent.

‘Don’t Defame Workers’: Akhilesh Yadav

Reacting sharply, Yadav questioned the government’s claims and raised concerns over the role of intelligence agencies.

“If the Chief Minister is calling the Noida workers’ protest a conspiracy, then the public wants to ask if this is true, was your intelligence police busy campaigning with you in Bengal, or were they engaged elsewhere?” he said.

He further added, “Before defaming the workers’ movement by linking it to Naxalism, the government must explain what it has done in the last 10 years that such conditions have emerged. If you cannot heal the wounds of workers, at least do not rub salt into them.”

Yogi govt ignoring workers’ hardships

Yadav also accused the BJP government of ignoring workers’ hardships and instead blaming them. He alleged that rising inflation and unemployment have worsened the economic condition of families.

“Unjustified allegations on workers who are already suffering due to inflation caused by corruption are highly condemnable. This could make the situation worse,” he said.

Violence During Protest Raises Concerns

The political row comes after workers at the Hosiery Complex in Noida Phase 2 staged a protest demanding higher wages. The agitation escalated into violence, with reports of stone-pelting, vandalism and a car being set on fire during clashes with police.

Authorities deployed heavy police force in the area to control the situation and prevent further escalation.

Administration Steps In

Amid the unrest, Noida District Magistrate Medha Roopam held a meeting with the state’s Principal Secretary (Labour) and Labour Commissioner to address workers’ concerns.

Noida labour protest turns violent; Police and workers clash over wage hike

According to officials, discussions focused on wage revision, overtime pay, bonuses, weekly holidays and workplace safety. The administration said efforts are underway to maintain industrial peace while ensuring workers’ rights are protected.

Political Temperature Rises

Yadav also held the state government responsible for the situation, saying that “injustice has reached its peak” under the current regime. He warned that public anger could intensify if workers’ issues are not addressed.

The incident has brought labour rights and governance into focus, while triggering a sharp political confrontation between the opposition and the ruling BJP.

Location :  Noida

Published :  13 April 2026, 6:11 PM IST

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