India Braces for Massive Bharat Bandh on February 12, 2026
The nation is preparing for a significant nationwide general strike scheduled for Thursday, February 12, 2026. This coordinated action, widely referred to as a Bharat Bandh, represents one of the largest mobilizations of the working class in recent years. According to a report from The Indian Express, the protest is expected to draw participation from a diverse array of workers, including industrial laborers, public sector employees, farmers, and informal sector workers.
Unprecedented Scale of Mobilization
Fourteen national trade unions have jointly called for the strike, with substantial backing from agricultural unions, rural worker groups, employees and teachers from Central and State Civil Services, workers from Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), and independent trade unions. Amarjeet Kaur, General Secretary of the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), has projected that no fewer than 30 crore workers are anticipated to participate in this historic action.
Disruptions are forecasted across nearly 600 districts nationwide, with certain states poised to experience more intense shutdowns than others. The impact is expected to vary, but several key regions are likely to face severe consequences.
States Facing Severe Impact
Odisha: Trade union leaders indicate that Odisha could witness a near-total shutdown, with robust participation from industrial workers, public sector employees, and rural labor groups. Wholesale markets, transport services, and government offices may remain closed in multiple districts. Public transportation, including bus services, is likely to be severely affected. Banking services may also be disrupted as employee unions in banks have pledged support to the strike. Academic institutions may close in areas with strong union presence, though no official statewide holiday has been declared.
Assam: Assam is another state expected to face severe consequences, with the bandh potentially resulting in total closures in all urban and semi-urban areas. Public transport services may operate partially or stay off the roads in some districts. Markets and commercial establishments are likely to shut down in union-dominated regions. Government offices may experience thin attendance as civil service employees and staff associations participate in the strike.
Kerala: Given its strong trade union culture, Kerala is likely to be severely affected. Past strikes have seen near-total participation across the state, impacting transport, markets, and educational institutions. Schools and colleges may remain closed in most districts due to local involvement, while public buses and other transport services are also expected to be affected. Banking services may function with skeleton staff.
West Bengal: West Bengal, with its traditionally strong trade union organizational base, may see partial to significant disruptions in markets and public services. Banking services, particularly those of public sector banks, could be affected as unions like AIBEA, AIBOA, and BEFI have joined the protest call. Transport services are likely to operate on a limited scale, especially at the city level.
Overall Outlook
While it remains uncertain whether all states will face absolute closure, Odisha and Assam are projected to bear the greatest impact of disruptions. Kerala and West Bengal are also expected to face significant disturbances. This nationwide strike underscores the growing mobilization of India's working class and highlights the potential for widespread economic and social disruptions on February 12, 2026.
