Protests erupted in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, as factory workers clashed with police while demanding wage increases. The Congress party has accused the Modi government of failing to address the economic pressures faced by the workforce, leading to a deep sense of despair. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi emphasized that daily-wage laborers, who earn around ₹12,000 (approximately $145 USD) a month, struggle with rising living costs, including rents between ₹4,000 to ₹7,000 (roughly $48 to $85 USD) and skyrocketing gas prices. He criticized the government's recent implementation of four new Labour Codes, which extend the standard workday to 12 hours, arguing that this exacerbates the workers' plight. The protests, which included vandalism and stone-pelting, resulted in significant traffic disruptions in the area. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh stated that the dismantling of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) has further jeopardized workers' livelihoods, contributing to the unrest. The situation reflects broader economic challenges faced by laborers across India.