Nationwide Strike
Nationwide Strike ,New Delhi, July 9, 2025 — A massive Bharat Bandh, or nationwide strike, unfolded across India on Tuesday, July 9, as over 25 crore (250 million) workers, farmers, and activists united in protest against government policies. Protestors say these policies are anti-labour, anti-farmer, and pro-corporate, sparking a complete shutdown in multiple sectors across the country.
The bandh was called by a coalition of ten central trade unions, supported by farmer groups and civil society organizations. From banking and public transport to coal, power, and insurance, several sectors came to a grinding halt. Major cities and rural districts saw widespread protests, road and rail blockades, and rallies demanding systemic reform.
Who Called the Bharat Bandh?
The Bharat Bandh was organized by a unified platform of major central trade unions, including AITUC, CITU, INTUC, HMS, and others. They were backed by Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), a coalition of 40+ farmer organizations. The unions had earlier submitted a 17-point** charter of demands** to the central government. With no official response, they escalated their protest.
Bharat Bandh 2025: What Are the Protestors Demanding?
Key demands of the Bharat Bandh include:
- Scrapping of the four new labour codes that allegedly weaken worker rights
- Legal guarantee for MSP (Minimum Support Price) for all agricultural produce
- Halting privatization of major Public Sector Units (PSUs)
- Control on rising fuel and food prices
- Job security and universal pension schemes for all workers
Leaders argue that these economic reforms benefit large corporations at the expense of ordinary workers and small farmers.
Bharat Bandh: Impact Across India
The impact of the Bharat Bandh was widespread:
- Banking operations in states like Gujarat were severely affected, with losses estimated at over ₹15,000 crore
- Public transport services were delayed or suspended in many regions
- Coal, electricity, and construction workers joined the strike, disrupting power distribution and site activity
- In Tamil Nadu, more than 30,000 protestors were detained
States like Kerala, West Bengal, Punjab, Odisha, Bihar, and Delhi-NCR witnessed mass mobilization and city-wide shutdowns.
State-wise Breakdown of Bharat Bandh 2025
- Delhi-NCR: Protests erupted near government buildings and metro stations
- West Bengal: Railway lines blocked in Jadavpur; clashes reported in Howrah
- Odisha: National highways saw temporary blockades in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack
- Kerala: Major markets and malls closed; state transport suspended
- Bihar & Jharkhand: Students and farmer groups staged road protests
Voices from the Ground: Why India is Protesting
Amarjeet Kaur, General Secretary of AITUC, said: “Our right to protest is constitutional. The government must engage in serious dialogue.”
Student activist Aishe Ghosh noted, “The new labour laws make firing easier and job security a myth.”
Janak Rawal, from Gujarat Bank Employees Association, said, “Privatization threatens financial sovereignty and public trust.”
Government Response & Political Statements
While the central government has not issued a formal response, Ministry sources hinted at the bandh being seen as a politically driven move. BJP representatives claimed that normal life was unaffected in several states.
Meanwhile, opposition parties like the Congress, AAP, and Left Front expressed solidarity with protestors. Notably, former Puducherry CM V. Narayanasamy was detained during a rally.
What’s Next After Bharat Bandh?
Trade unions have warned of larger movements if the 17-point demands remain unaddressed. Farmer leaders associated with SKM have hinted at reviving the 2020–21 protest momentum if the government fails to legislate MSP guarantees.
With several state elections due, the Bharat Bandh has once again put labour rights, agriculture policy, and economic reforms in the spotlight.
Conclusion
The Bharat Bandh 2025 was more than a strike—it was a nationwide expression of dissent. With over 25 crore participants and support from diverse sectors, the protest exposed growing public unrest over the government’s handling of worker rights, rural distress, and privatization.
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