Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government, headed by Yogi Adityanath, has enforced a six-month ban on strikes and protests across state departments, corporations, and local authorities.
The move, stated in an official announcement, is under the Uttar Pradesh Essential Services Maintenance Act (Esma).
BJP spokesperson Manish Shukla clarified that the ban aims to ensure uninterrupted essential services during major events like the Kumbh Mela and other programmes, benefiting both residents and pilgrims.
However, the Samajwadi Party (SP) has criticised the decision as “undemocratic.” SP MLC Ashutosh Sinha stated that the ban infringes on the constitutional rights of citizens and government employees to voice their opinions.
“People and government workers have the right to express their views according to the Constitution, but it seems the government is restricting this,” Sinha remarked.
