Nationwide Bharat Bandh Called for February 12 by Trade and Farmers' Unions
NEW DELHI: A coalition of more than 10 trade and farmers' unions has announced a comprehensive Bharat Bandh scheduled for February 12, in a powerful demonstration against the central government's policies. This widespread strike is anticipated to significantly disrupt public banking services, transportation networks, and various government sectors across the country.
Unprecedented Scale of Participation Expected
A joint platform representing 10 central trade unions has projected that an astonishing 30 crore workers are poised to participate in this general strike, spanning the entire nation. During a press conference, Amarjeet Kaur, General Secretary of the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), emphasized that the mobilization is set to exceed previous efforts. "We anticipate no fewer than 30 crore workers will join the strike on February 12. This surpasses the participation of approximately 25 crore workers during the protest on July 9, 2025," Kaur stated.
According to union representatives, the strike will impact operations in over 600 districts, marking an increase from around 550 districts affected during last year's agitation. The primary grievances driving this action include what the unions label as the Centre's "anti-worker, anti-farmer, and pro-corporate policies." The platform has garnered substantial support from farmers' groups, agricultural labour unions, student organizations, youth bodies, and various other federations.
Expected Impact: What Will Be Open and Closed
While essential services are projected to remain operational, significant disruptions are likely across multiple sectors. The following areas are expected to be affected:
- Public sector banks and insurance offices
- State transport services, including buses in select states
- Government offices and public sector units
- Industrial units and manufacturing hubs
- Core sectors such as coal and steel, depending on local participation
- Rural employment works under MGNREGA in protest areas
Conversely, the following services are likely to remain open:
- Hospitals and emergency services
- Ambulance and essential health services
- Metro services, subject to decisions by local administrations
- Private offices and IT companies, varying by region
- Schools and colleges, as determined state-wise
- Essential supply services, including milk and pharmacies
Broad Support and Strategic Mobilization
The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) has declared full-fledged backing for the strike, with agricultural workers' unions mobilizing efforts focused on restoring MGNREGA provisions. Kaur further asserted that the strike will have a major impact even in BJP-ruled states. "Odisha and Assam are expected to experience complete shutdowns, while other states will witness widespread participation," she noted.
Strike notices have been formally served across diverse sectors, encompassing government departments, public sector undertakings, industrial clusters, and private establishments. Extensive campaigns have been conducted at district and block levels, targeting both rural and urban areas to ensure maximum outreach and engagement.
This Bharat Bandh represents a significant collective action, highlighting deep-seated concerns over policy directions and aiming to amplify the voices of workers and farmers nationwide. The scale of participation and geographic reach underscore the intensity of the protest, setting the stage for a day of substantial civic action on February 12.
