July 9, 2025 | New Delhi: A massive nationwide strike—Bharat Bandh—led by trade unions, disrupted public services across India today. Over 25 crore workers from both formal and informal sectors joined the protest, causing significant impact on banking, transport, postal services, and electricity supply.
Why Was Bharat Bandh 2025 Called?
The forum of 10 central trade unions announced the strike to protest against what they called the government’s “anti-worker, anti-farmer, and pro-corporate” policies. Their demands include withdrawal of the new labour codes, job security for workers, and an end to privatisation of public sector undertakings.
The All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), in a statement, said, “The government hasn’t responded to our 17-point demand list in over a year. Workers are suffering while corporates are thriving.”
Who Participated in the Strike?
The strike included members from:
- AITUC
- INTUC
- CITU
- Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS)
- Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA)
- Labour Progressive Federation (LPF)
- United Trade Union Congress (UTUC)
In addition, Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) and informal workers such as construction labourers and daily wagers joined the protest.
Services Disrupted Across India
Major disruptions were seen in:
- Banking: Services stalled across public sector banks. Private banks functioned but with limited staff.
- Transport: City buses and state-run transport in states like West Bengal, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu were hit.
- Electricity: Power supply in some states was unstable, with 27 lakh workers from the power sector joining the strike.
- Postal and Telecom: Delays in parcel deliveries and customer services were reported.
What Remained Open?
Schools, colleges, and most private offices remained functional. Rail services operated largely on schedule, though minor delays were reported. The government in states like Kerala confirmed KSRTC buses would run normally as no union notices had been received there.
Centre-Union Clash Over Participation Numbers
The Labour Ministry claimed that 213 unions had withdrawn support from the Bharat Bandh. However, union leaders dismissed this as “false propaganda.” Amarjeet Kaur of AITUC stated, “The government is trying to create confusion, but our unity remains strong.”
Key Grievances Behind the Protest
The unions criticized the government for:
- Failing to hold the annual Indian Labour Conference for over a decade
- Passing four controversial labour codes
- Undermining collective bargaining and workers’ rights
- Increasing working hours without fair compensation
- Rapid privatisation of public sector units like NMDC and BSNL
Additionally, they raised concerns over rising inflation, unemployment, and job outsourcing.
Farmers Join Forces Once Again
Samyukta Kisan Morcha, the coalition that led the 2021 farmers’ protest, expressed solidarity with the workers. Farmers held marches in Haryana, Punjab, and parts of Uttar Pradesh, adding pressure on the government to respond.
Public Reaction and What Lies Ahead
Citizens had mixed responses. While many supported the workers’ cause, others expressed concern over essential service disruptions. Political analysts believe today’s bandh could influence policy decisions ahead of state elections.
The government has not yet issued a formal response. However, sources within the Labour Ministry indicated that some engagement with union leaders may take place in the coming weeks.
Conclusion
Bharat Bandh 2025 was not just a protest—it was a powerful message from India’s working class. With over 25 crore voices united, the strike signals growing unrest over labour reforms and economic policies. Whether this leads to policy change remains to be seen, but the solidarity displayed today is hard to ignore.
