The central trade unions have announced a nationwide strike for Wednesday, 9 July 2025, calling it Bharat Bandh. The Bandh is expecting support of over 25 crore workers and employees in both urban and rural areas. The strike, called by a coalition of ten central trade unions and supported by farmers’ and rural workers’ organisations, has led to significant disruptions in banking, transport, postal services, mining, and other public sectors.

Reason Behind the Bharat Bandh

The organisers have released several statements outlining the reasons for the strike. According to the forum of ten central trade unions, the bandh is a protest against what they describe as the government’s “anti-worker, anti-farmer, and anti-national pro-corporate policies.” The unions have criticised recent changes to labour laws, alleging that the new labour codes will weaken workers’ rights, extend working hours, and make it more difficult to form unions or go on strike. They have also expressed strong opposition to the privatisation of public sector units, outsourcing of jobs, and the increasing use of contract workers, which they claim threaten job security and fair wages.

Amarjeet Kaur, General Secretary of the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), stated, “The government has ignored our 17-point demand list and hasn’t even called the annual labour conference in the last 10 years.” The unions further allege that the government’s economic policies are leading to more unemployment, rising prices of essential goods, and a depression in wages.

Farmers’ groups, including the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, have joined the protest, highlighting rural distress and the impact of government policies on agriculture and rural employment. Organisers have called for a rollback of the new labour codes, an increase in public sector recruitment, higher MGNREGA wages, and the protection of workers’ and farmers’ rights.

Disruptions and Public Response

The Bharat Bandh has resulted in widespread disruptions across the country. Public transport services in several states are running on limited schedules, and commuters in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata have faced delays due to road blockades and rallies. Banking and insurance services are affected, with many branches operating at reduced capacity. Mining, construction, and postal services have also reported significant participation in the strike.

Schools, colleges, and most government offices remain open, but some areas are witnessing localised closures or reduced attendance due to transport disruptions. Emergency services, hospitals, and essential supplies have largely been kept out of the bandh’s purview to minimise inconvenience to the public.

The response to the bandh varies by region. In states such as Punjab, Haryana, West Bengal, and Kerala, the strike has led to near-total shutdowns in many districts. In other states, including Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, the impact is less severe, with most services continuing as usual.

Police and security forces have been deployed in large numbers to maintain order. While there have been reports of minor clashes in some areas, the overall situation remains largely peaceful.