Bharat Bandh hits banking, power and transport as unions protest labour laws

Hyderabad: Banking, transport, postal and power services faced major disruption on Wednesday as ten national trade unions and farmer groups enforced a Bharat Bandh to protest against the Centre’s labour and economic policies.

The strike, which unions claimed involved over 25 crore workers, drew widespread participation across sectors. The All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA) joined the bandh, affecting operations in banks nationwide. Coal mines, factories, postal services, and power utilities were also hit. Officials expect disruptions in electricity supply with over 27 lakh power sector workers participating.

Public transport services slowed across multiple cities, with buses, autos and taxis staying off the roads in several states. Though Kerala RTC claimed no formal strike notice was issued, union leaders said employees would join the bandh. Rail services were not officially part of the strike, but delays were expected due to sit-ins on tracks in protest-prone areas.

Schools and colleges remained open, with no official holiday declared.

Trade union leaders said the bandh was a response to the Centre’s pro-corporate stance and the rollback of worker protections through new labour codes. They accused the government of promoting privatisation, contractualisation and outsourcing in public sector jobs while ignoring rising unemployment and inflation.

The unions submitted a 17-point charter of demands. The bandh also received support from the Samyukt Kisan Morcha, with rural protests reported in several regions.