ON April 20, despite the sweltering heat, the Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata was packed with thousands of workers, farmers, agricultural labourers, and slum dwellers who had gathered for a historic rally organised by four major mass organisations: CITU, the Kisan Sabha, Paschim Banga Basti Unnayan Samiti, and the AIAWU.

CPI(M) state secretary Mohammad Salim, addressing the gathering, underscored the increasing role of toiling people in reshaping Bengal’s future and emphasized that only a revitalised Left movement could offer a path forward. Salim condemned both the Trinamool Congress and the BJP for their corruption and misgovernance, highlighting the massive job losses, including the dismissal of 26,000 teachers. He also criticised the Modi government for failing to act against TMC scandals and for attempting to take control of Waqf properties while privatising public assets. He said, “All religions have the right to manage their own institutions. The government's role is not to run religious properties. This same government, which is selling off railways, airports, and public factories to corporations, now wants to take over and manage Waqf properties!” Referring to the Murshidabad riots, he demanded a judicial inquiry, questioning the failure of state and central agencies to prevent violence.

Anadi Sahu, state general secretary of CITU, declared that the BJP is handing over the nation's wealth to corporate giants like Adani and Ambani. He criticised the new labour codes as “black laws” designed to weaken worker unity and suppress the right to organise. Sahu pointed to the unprecedented unity of four working-class organisations at the Brigade rally as a response to the urgent conditions facing the poor.

Amal Haldar of AIKS debunked the Modi government's claims of tripling farmers' incomes, citing high input costs and low crop prices, particularly for jute. He contrasted current policies with the pro-farmer initiatives of the former Left Front government and warned that the dismantling of cooperatives and neglect of planned agriculture could bring famine-like conditions.

Nirapad Sardar, AIAWU state secretary, called for doubling REGA workdays and increasing wages to Rs 600. He criticised both the centre and the state for withholding REGA funds. He warned against the state's plan to replace REGA with “Karmashree,” and feared more corruption would follow. Sardar reaffirmed the Left’s commitment to land rights, won through hard struggles during the Left Front era.

Sukharanjan Dey of the Basti Unnayan Samiti stressed that urban development must include slum dwellers, not displace them. He demanded land titles for slum residents and decried eviction drives disguised as development.

AIAWU leader Banya Tudu stood out at the rally with her fiery denunciation of both Trinamool and the BJP. She described the political struggle as a fight for survival. Citing successful land resistance in Dadpur, she called for grassroots mobilisation beyond rallies.

People from across the state – students, youth, women, workers, and the poor – shared their struggles and aspirations. The rally was preceded by local conventions and marches in Malda and other districts, and peace rallies were held to counter communal tensions. The mass turnout made clear that the people see the Left as the only credible force to address their concerns and fight for justice.

The April 20 Brigade rally was not just a show of numbers; it was a declaration of intent from Bengal's working people to reclaim their rights, their land, and their future.