Published Feb 12, 2026 | 4:49 PM ⚊ Updated Feb 12, 2026 | 4:49 PM
Bharat Bandh in Kerala. (Supplied)
Synopsis: The Thiruvananthapuram MP argued that militant unionism has already driven industry away from the state and warned that persisting with what he described as “antediluvian methods of muscle power” would further harm Kerala’s prospects. He said forcing shopkeepers to close and confining citizens to their homes creates an environment unwelcoming to youth and enterprise.
Senior Congress leader and Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor on Thursday, 12 February, strongly criticised the observance of the “Bharat Bandh” in Kerala, terming it a “lamentable irony” that what was billed as a nationwide shutdown had, in effect, become “merely another Kerala Bandh.”
In a sharply worded statement, Tharoor said that while much of the country has “evolved beyond such coercive disruptions,” Kerala continues to be “held hostage by this organised tyranny of the minority over the unorganised majority.”
Making his position clear, Tharoor reiterated that he supports the right to protest but not the right to obstruct.
“No Indian has the constitutional right to impede the free movement of another,” he said, underlining that dissent should not infringe upon the liberty of ordinary citizens.
The Thiruvananthapuram MP argued that militant unionism has already driven industry away from the state and warned that persisting with what he described as “antediluvian methods of muscle power” would further harm Kerala’s prospects.
He said forcing shopkeepers to close and confining citizens to their homes creates an environment unwelcoming to youth and enterprise.
Tharoor maintained that he has consistently opposed enforced shutdowns, even when backed by his own party.
“The right to strike does not include the right to enforce a shutdown on others,” he said, calling the paralysis of daily life, commerce and movement “an assault on the liberty of the common citizen.”
Stating that Kerala aspires to be a modern, investor-friendly destination, Tharoor urged political parties and trade unions to adopt “constructive dissent” instead of disruptive methods.
“Protest should be a moral statement, not a physical blockade,” he said, calling for respect both for the right to dissent and the freedom of others to work, travel and disagree.
It is a lamentable irony that today’s “Bharat Bandh” is, in reality, merely another “Kerala Bandh.” While the rest of India has evolved beyond such coercive disruptions, Kerala remains uniquely held hostage by this organized tyranny of the minority over the unorganized majority.… pic.twitter.com/oSllbYhFRg
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) February 12, 2026
The one-day nationwide Bharat Bandh called by 10 trade unions against the centre’s labour codes began on Thursday, 12 February, disrupting transport, banking and government services across Kerala.
KSRTC staff, private bus operators, and auto and taxi drivers have joined the protest, leading to the suspension of public transport in many areas. Left-backed trade union members at Kochi Refinery also joined the nationwide strike.
Shops and markets are shut in several places. Colleges have also closed for the day. Essential services have been exempted, along with pilgrims travelling to Sabarimala and Maramon in Pathanamthitta.
Banking operations are also expected to be hit as three major unions have participated, with demonstrations held across the state in support of the protest.
Meanwhile, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) express solidarity with the strike.
“This strike has been announced primarily in protest against the BJP-led Central Government’s labour reforms and economic policies that have weakened workers’ protections. The new labour codes have reduced job security, diluted statutory safeguards, and increased employer flexibility in hiring and firing, thereby adversely affecting the rights and interests of workers. Farmers’ organisations have also extended their support to the Bandh, reflecting the growing concerns over these policies,” said AICC General Secretary (Organisation) KC Venugopal in a notification.
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
