A nationwide Bharat Bandh was observed on Wednesday, July 9, following a call by a joint platform of ten major central trade unions, backed by several farmers’ organisations. The strike led to widespread disruption in several states, with Kerala witnessing the most visible impact as normal life came to a near standstill. Public transport services were largely suspended across the state, and most commercial establishments remained shut. Several towns including Kozhikode, Kannur, and Malappuram saw deserted roads, closed shops, and halted vehicles. Protestors blocked buses in Kochi and Kollam, while union workers stopped public transport vehicles mid-route.
The strike was called to protest what the unions describe as the central government’s anti-labour and pro-corporate policies. Their demands include the withdrawal of the four new labour codes, an end to privatisation of public sector units, a guaranteed minimum wage, social security for all workers, and stronger protections against contractualisation. They also criticised the government for not convening the Indian Labour Conference for over a decade and demanded greater investment in health and education.
Participation was recorded across both organised and unorganised sectors, with millions of workers from coal mining, banking, postal services, public transport, and steel joining the strike. In Jharkhand and Odisha, operations in coal and mineral mining sectors slowed down. Banking and postal services were also affected in several districts. In West Bengal, some bus drivers were seen wearing helmets as a precaution. Security was heightened across major cities including Kolkata, Chennai, and Kochi.
Farmers' organisations also extended their support. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha and other rural workers' unions joined the strike, especially in agrarian regions. They accused the government of ignoring rural distress, high unemployment, and the erosion of subsidies, blaming economic policies for deepening inequality.
In Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra, the bandh had minimal impact. Most private offices, shops, and restaurants operated normally. Educational institutions remained open, although some schools reported low attendance due to transport uncertainties.
