Nationwide Bharat Bandh begins as unions predict mass disruption

A nationwide general strike called by a coalition of ten central trade unions and allied farmer groups began at midnight and is scheduled to run for 24 hours, with organisers warning of extensive disruption to banking, transport and government services. The joint forum of unions says protests will take place at more than 1,000 locations across the country and estimates turnout at roughly 30 crore people, a figure the organisers presented as indicative of the scale of opposition.

The coalition includes major national unions such as the Indian National Trade Union Congress, All India Trade Union Congress, Hind Mazdoor Sabha, Centre of Indian Trade Unions, and the Self-Employed Women’s Association, among others. Farmer organisations, including the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, have announced support and plans to join rallies and sit-ins in several states.

Unions issued a multi-point charter demanding the repeal of four new labour codes introduced in recent years, which they say weaken job security and dilute workers’ rights. The strike also targets a recently concluded India‑US trade initiative, which farmer leaders contend could expose domestic agriculture and dairy producers to damaging imports. In addition, organisers call for the withdrawal of the Draft Seed Bill, the Electricity Amendment Bill and the SHANTI Act, restoration and strengthening of MGNREGA, and repeal of the Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025. They say proposed wage-policy changes and ongoing privatisation plans must be reversed and that stronger employment guarantees are required.

Organisers told the press that strike notices have been served across most sectors and that preparations are in full swing. Demonstrations and mass gatherings are planned throughout the day, with some organisers signalling symbolic actions including the burning of effigies of political leaders. The unions have said essential services and selected religious events should be exempt, though the scope of exemptions is likely to vary by state.

Banks and public transport were singled out as particularly vulnerable. Public sector banks are expected to see significant disruption to cash withdrawals, deposits and cheque clearances if staff join the strike. State-run buses and some urban transport services may operate at reduced levels or remain suspended in parts of the country, while government offices, markets and industrial units could face closures in protest-affected areas. Republics of local reports indicate schools and colleges may be closed in states such as Kerala, though officials in many states have yet to issue comprehensive lists of closures or contingency plans.

Not all labour leaders support the shutdown. Bumba Mukherjee, state president of the National Front of Indian Trade Unions in West Bengal, criticised the action, saying: "The trade unions will hold a strike across the country against the new labour codes... The labour codes issued by the Indian government are in the interest of workers. The old laws were from the British era and a strike is a loss to the country. We want talks first... We are protesting against this strike in the interest of workers..."

The strike evokes the precedent of a large national stoppage in 2020, when unions claimed hundreds of millions participated, underlining the potential for widespread economic and civic impact. With the day unfolding, authorities at state and local levels are expected to monitor protests closely and issue advisories; business and transport operators are preparing for interruptions as the unions press their demands.