New Delhi: A nationwide ‘Bharat Bandh’ called by a joint forum of central trade unions on February 12 has caused disruptions in banking, transport and other public services across several states, even as some regions reported limited impact.
The strike was backed by major trade unions including INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC, TUCC, SEWA, AICCTU, LPF and UTUC. Representatives of the joint forum of the unioins have claimed participation of nearly 30 crore workers and that the bandh would affect operations in more than 600 districts across the country.
Banking services were among the key sectors impacted. While the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) did not declare a holiday, employee unions including AIBEA, AIBOA and BEFI supported the strike in protest against the four labour codes. Several public sector banks flagged possible service disruptions.
State Bank of India informed the BSE that customer services could be affected to a limited extent despite arrangements for normal functioning. Bank of Baroda and UCO Bank also cautioned customers about potential disruptions in branch operations and cheque clearances. Digital banking services were largely expected to remain functional.
All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) General Secretary Amarjeet Kaur told media that services in electricity, banking, insurance, transport, health, education, gas and water supply could be affected due to the strike.
The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) extended support to the bandh, describing it as part of its campaign against the India–US interim trade agreement. SKM leaders alleged that the agreement would adversely affect farmers by exposing domestic agriculture to cheaper imports.
The Centre, however, has defended the trade deal, with Union Minister Piyush Goyal calling it a milestone in India’s economic trajectory. He stated that sensitive farm sectors had been protected and that Indian exports would benefit from zero-duty access to the United States.
In Parliament, Congress MPs staged a protest outside the complex, expressing solidarity with workers and farmers. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi voiced support for the bandh, stating that labour reforms, trade agreements and concerns over MGNREGA had triggered widespread anxiety among workers and the agrarian community.
“Today, millions of workers and farmers across the country are on the streets, raising their voices for their rights. Workers fear that the four Labour Codes will weaken their rights. Farmers are apprehensive that trade agreements will harm their livelihoods. And weakening or scrapping MGNREGA could take away the last support system for villages,” Gandhi said in a social media post, adding that he stands firmly with the issues of workers and farmers and with their struggle.
“The Congress stands firmly with the labourers and marginalised people of India who are on the streets today against the wide range of anti-people decisions of the Central Government,” said Congress leader K C Venugopal in a post on X.
States reported varying degrees of disruption. In Jharkhand, trade union members staged demonstrations at the gates of coal companies and public sector undertakings. In Odisha, employees associated with central trade unions observed a day-long strike, with AIUTUC members blocking train movement at Balasore railway station.
Inter-state transport services were affected in the southern region. Government bus operations between Tamil Nadu and Kerala were suspended, causing inconvenience to commuters. Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses did not operate from Vadasery Bus Stand, while Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) buses ran only up to the inter-state border at Kaliakkavilai.
In contrast, West Bengal witnessed minimal disruption. Vehicles operated normally, and attendance at government and private offices remained largely unaffected. However, demonstrations were held by student groups in Kolkata in support of the bandh call amid heavy police deployment.
The Bharat Bandh once again highlighted tensions between trade unions and the Centre over labour reforms, economic policies and trade agreements, with protests and service disruptions reported from multiple parts of the country.
