The strike is being spearheaded by major trade unions, including INTUC, CITU, AITUC, HMS, AIUTUC, TUCC, SEWA, AICCTU, LPF, and UTUC.
Published Jul 09, 2025 | 10:26 AM ⚊ Updated Jul 09, 2025 | 10:26 AM
Bharat bandh. Representative Image. (iStock)
Synopsis: The Bharat bandh by a collective of trade unions and farmers’ organisations, aimed at opposing the alleged “pro-corporate and anti-worker” policies implemented by the government, disrupted public life in several parts of the country.
The Bharat bandh on Wednesday, 9 July, by a collective of trade unions and farmers’ organisations, aimed at opposing the alleged “pro-corporate and anti-worker” policies implemented by the government, disrupted public life in several parts of the country.
Over 25 crore workers across multiple sectors are reportedly part of the 24-hour strike, which could significantly disrupt banking, transportation, and other key public services. The strike, which began at midnight, will continue till tonight.
The strike is being spearheaded by major trade unions, including INTUC, CITU, AITUC, HMS, AIUTUC, TUCC, SEWA, AICCTU, LPF, and UTUC. These unions are protesting against labour law reforms, increased privatisation, and growing economic distress in rural areas. According to them, these policies are harming both workers and farmers.
Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) National Secretary AR Sindhu said that around 25 crore workers, including those in organised and unorganised sectors, are likely to take part in the general strike.
“Protests will be held in industrial areas. Services like banking, postal services, and public sector companies are likely to be closed,” Sindhu said.
“Not all unorganised sector workers may be able to join the protest, but they will also be mobilised, and roadblocks and ‘rail roko’ (stopping railways) will also be done,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Union Labour Ministry claimed that about 213 unions, including the RSS-backed Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), have informed it that they will not participate in the nationwide general strike. However, the CTUs said the Union government is trying to put pressure on and intimidate the workers, but the strike will be a success.
“The Bharat Bandh will be disrupting services across the country. Banking, postal, coal mining, factories, and state transport services will be affected due to the strike,” Harbhajan Singh Sidhu of the Hind Mazdoor Sabha told PTI.
Electricity supply may also be impacted. Over 27 lakh power sector workers are expected to join the strike, according to a PTI report. Even though the Railways did not issue any official strike notice, possible disruptions or delays in train services may occur due to protests or logistical impacts.
In Kerala, normal life was thrown out of gear. As the state witnessed widespread disruptions, the strike has significantly impacted public life, with people stranded at various places due to the suspension of services.
Meanwhile, the LDF-led state government, though supporting the general strike, declared dies non for all government employees on Wednesday.
Educational institutions remained shut, and all university examinations scheduled for Kerala, Mahatma Gandhi, Calicut, and Kannur universities were postponed. Public transport services, especially those operated by the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), came to a grinding halt in most districts.
KSRTC buses scheduled to operate from depots in Kochi, Thrissur, Kollam, and Thiruvananthapuram were blocked by strike supporters. Private vehicles, however, remained on the roads. In Alappuzha, boat services were suspended. Police vehicles were deployed at major railway stations to assist stranded passengers.
KSRTC depots have been directed to operate services only with police protection, but the response has remained poor. Ironically, even from the Pathanapuram KSRTC depot — in the constituency of Transport Minister KB Ganesh Kumar, who had assured that KSRTC services would run unaffected — no bus services operated, dealing an embarrassing blow to the minister’s statement on Tuesday.
In Kannur, KSRTC employees who turned up for duty, citing the minister’s assurance, were stopped by trade union leaders. Similar scenes were reported in Kozhikode, where neither KSRTC nor private buses operated. Most shops and commercial establishments remained closed statewide.
A KSRTC bus bound for Kozhikode from the Ernakulam depot was blocked by protesters amid the statewide strike. Workers affiliated with the BMS union said they are willing to operate services if adequate police protection is ensured.
In Kochi, police are stepping in to provide transportation for emergency cases, including patients affected by the disruption. Meanwhile, both Kochi Metro and Water Metro services are witnessing a surge in passenger numbers. Commuters are advised to allow extra time for travel due to the heavy rush.
The Karnataka government has not announced a holiday for schools and colleges. Educational institutions in Bengaluru are expected to remain open, but attendance could be lower depending on transport issues and safety concerns.
While transport corporations have not yet said they will stop services, commuters should be prepared for possible delays or cancellations. Workers from the coal and power sectors, including more than 27 lakh electricity workers, will also take part in the strike. Full power outages are unlikely, but small disruptions could happen.
Delivery and logistics services, especially those run through apps, may also be delayed if protests block key areas of the city. “As per the High Court orders, no protests will be allowed in the city except at Freedom Park.
As of now, the protest will take place only at Freedom Park, where adequate security is in place. If needed, additional force will be deployed,” an officer from the Bengaluru police told the Deccan Herald.
Meanwhile, normalcy continues in most parts of Tamil Nadu as bus services operate in the state, including Chennai, despite the ‘Bharat bandh’.
The Telangana government has not announced a public holiday for educational institutions. Schools and colleges are expected to remain open, although student attendance and transport availability could be affected in some areas.
With over 27 lakh power sector employees nationwide expected to join the strike, Hyderabad may witness localised disruptions or slower response to complaints in electricity services. TSRTC did not issue any formal strike notice, but some services could be delayed if workers participate in large numbers.
Most private companies in Telangana, including Hyderabad, are likely to function normally.
Defying police presence, members of the Left parties’ union entered Jadavpur railway station in Kolkata to block the railway tracks to mark their protest against the Union government’s “pro-corporate” policies. The trade unions have alleged that the central government is implementing reforms that weaken workers’ rights.
RJD workers stopped the Namo Bharat Train as the party, along with Congress and other Mahagathbandhan Opposition parties, called for a bandh in protest against the special intensive revision of electoral rolls in Bihar.
“We have called this Bandh against the Election Commission, which is working as per someone’s agenda… The public is tired of the government. RJD and the entire INDIA alliance have called for a bandh,” said an RJD leader.
In Mumbai, most private sector offices, including those in key business hubs like BKC, Lower Parel, and Andheri, are expected to remain open. Some companies offered work-from-home options as a precaution. Shops, markets, and restaurants across the city are also likely to function as usual.
(With inputs from Dileep V Kumar and Sreelakshmi Soman.)
