Bharat Bandh called by 10 trade unions underway, marginal impact in some states
New Delhi/IBNS: Bharat Bandh or a nationwide strike called by a joint forum of 10 trade unions began on Wednesday.
In marginal impact, public transport was affected in West Bengal.
The Left party trade unions lit fire in protests in parts of West Bengal.
Heavy police were deployed in Jadavpur area while railway tracks were blocked at Jadavpur Railway Station.
Police resorted to lathicharge when Left workers tried to disrupt transport services in Howrah, West Bengal.
VIDEO | Bharat Bandh: Police resort to lathicharge as workers of Left organisations try to enforce shutdown in Howrah.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 9, 2025
More than 25 crore workers affiliated with central and sectoral trade unions have announced to go on strike across the country to protest against new labour… pic.twitter.com/khEKilXQxH
Some schools have been closed in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
Kerala, which is a Left-ruled state, said the state buses would normally run on Wednesday.
Who is participating in the Bharat Bandh?
Participating organisations include:
All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC)
Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC)
Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU).
Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS).
Self-Employed Women's Association (SEWA).
Labour Progressive Federation (LPF).
United Trade Union Congress (UTUC).
What are their demands?
Halt the four labour codes.
Restore workers' right to unionise and strike.
Create more jobs, especially for youth (65% of India's population is under 35).
Fill government vacancies with new recruitments.
Increase MGNREGA wages and expand it to urban areas.
Strengthen public health, education, and civic services.
What will remain shut?
The Bharat Bandh is expected to disrupt major public services across India, including banking and insurance services, postal operations, coal mining and industrial production, state-run public transport, government offices, and public sector units.
Banking and insurance services.
Postal operations.
Coal mining and industrial production.
State-run public transport.
Government offices and public sector units.
Farmer-led rallies in rural areas.
The strike is supported by farmers' groups like Samyukta Kisan Morcha, rural worker unions, public sector staff from Railways, NMDC Ltd, and the steel industries.
