Nationwide Bharat Bandh Disrupts Key Services Amid Union-Led Protests
Over ten central trade unions organized a nationwide Bharat Bandh on Thursday, mobilizing against what they term the government's "anti-worker" policies. The bandh received robust support from farmer organizations and various sectoral groups across India, marking a significant show of resistance.
Strike Call and Participation
The strike was announced as a form of resistance to what unions describe as "anti-worker, anti-farmer, and anti-national pro-corporate policies" implemented by the central government. Trade unions estimated that nearly 30 crore workers from diverse sectors were likely to participate in the agitation, highlighting widespread discontent.
Services in banking, insurance, and transport were partially affected, with unions serving strike notices across numerous departments and industrial establishments. The protest aimed to draw attention to key demands, including the withdrawal of four labour codes, the Electricity Bill-2025, the Seed Bill-2025, and the VB-G RAM G Act-2025.
Farmer Support and Specific Demands
The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) urged farmers to join trade union workers in making the all-India general strike a success. In a detailed statement, the SKM outlined demands such as the restoration of the old pension scheme and the implementation of minimum wages for workers, including scheme workers.
The platform of agricultural workers' unions and the NREGA Sangharsh Morcha (NSM) actively supported and participated in protest demonstrations nationwide. The SKM called upon the public to resist new attacks launched by the BJP government on farmers, workers, and common citizens.
Specific objections were raised against the Electricity Bill, which the SKM claims would increase power tariffs for farmers and domestic users, impose peak-hour charges, and mandate smart meters. The SKM is demanding "No to Smart Meters" and 300 units of free electricity for all, echoing promises made in BJP election campaigns.
Opposition to Key Legislation
The SKM also opposed the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act, alleging it would undermine the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). Additionally, the new Seed Bill was criticized for potentially leading to black-marketing of seeds.
Free trade agreements were condemned as a blueprint for "economic colonisation," accused of denying minimum wages to workers, minimum support price (MSP) to farmers, and the right to employment to unemployed youth. The SKM alleged that the Modi government has "surrendered the sovereignty and self-reliance of India to the United States of America."
In a provocative appeal, the SKM urged farmers to join protest demonstrations, burn effigies of Narendra Modi and Donald Trump, and destroy copies of free trade agreements in solidarity with industrial workers and against anti-people policies.
Insurance Sector Protests
Insurance sector workers joined the agitation, protesting against the government's decision to allow up to 100 percent foreign direct investment (FDI) in the sector and the implementation of new labour codes. This added to the sector-wide impact of the strike.
Impact on Key Sectors
All India Trade Union Congress General Secretary Amarjeet Kaur told PTI that services in electricity, banking, insurance, transport, health, education, gas, and water supply were affected due to the nationwide strike call on February 12. The impact was expected in:
- Public sector banks and insurance offices
- State transport services in select states
- Government offices and public sector units
- Industrial and manufacturing hubs
- Coal, steel, and other core sectors
- Mining and gas pipeline operations
- Rural employment works under MGNREGA in protest areas
However, not all bank unions participated, as their united front had already observed a strike on January 27. Bank workers' unions such as AIBEA, AIBOA, and BEFI did take part in the protest.
Services Likely to Remain Operational
Despite the widespread disruption, certain essential services were expected to remain open:
- Hospitals, ambulance, and emergency health services
- Metro services, subject to local administration decisions
- Private offices, IT companies, schools, and colleges, depending on state-wise decisions
- Essential supply services such as milk and pharmacies
The Bharat Bandh underscored deep-seated grievances among workers and farmers, with protests likely to influence ongoing policy discussions in the coming months.
