Welcome to theustales.com.
On July 9, 2025, India wakes up to a massive nationwide strike, called the Bharat Bandh. Over 25 crore workers from various sectors join hands to protest. They’re standing up against government policies they believe harm workers, farmers, and the poor. This strike, led by ten major trade unions, shakes up daily life in many parts of the country. Let’s dive into what’s happening, why it’s happening, and how it affects you.
What Is the Bharat Bandh?
The Bharat Bandh is a nationwide shutdown called by ten central trade unions. These include well-known groups like INTUC, AITUC, CITU, and SEWA. Workers from banking, transport, coal mining, and factories participate. Even farmers and rural workers join in. The goal? To demand better treatment and fair policies from the government.
You may Also Like:
Why Are Workers Striking?
The unions are angry about government decisions they see as unfair. They say policies favor big businesses over ordinary people. For example, the government hires retired workers instead of young ones in sectors like Railways and education. With 65% of India’s population under 35, this frustrates young job seekers. Those between the ages of 20 and 25 have the highest unemployment rates.
Moreover, the unions oppose four new labour codes. They believe these laws weaken workers’ rights to negotiate and strike. The codes, they argue, make life easier for employers but harder for workers. Additionally, rising prices of essentials, falling wages, and cuts in education and healthcare spending fuel their anger. The unions also demand more jobs, higher MNREGA wages, and guaranteed workdays.
Which Sectors Face Disruption?
The strike hits key services across India. Banking services slow down as bank and insurance workers join the protest. Public transport, like buses and taxis, faces delays due to road blockades. In Kerala, public transport nearly stops, leaving passengers stranded. Coal and power sectors see action too, with over 27 lakh electricity workers participating. This could cause power outages in some areas.
Railways, however, stay mostly unaffected. Yet, protests at stations like Jadavpur in West Bengal cause minor delays. In Bengaluru, traffic jams are expected near Freedom Park, where 4,000–5,000 protesters gather. Meanwhile, schools and colleges remain open, and emergency services like hospitals and police stations operate normally.
How Are Protests Happening?
Across India, workers take to the streets. In West Bengal, Left party supporters block railway tracks in places like Durgapur and Barrackpore. Police step in to clear the way, leading to clashes. In Kerala’s Kozhikode, shops shut down, and life comes to a standstill. Tamil Nadu sees workers blocking roads in Erode, while trucks park outside Hyderabad as the strike grows.
In Bengaluru, the impact is lighter. Transport services run smoothly despite the bandh. Still, police advise commuters to use alternate routes to avoid congestion near protest sites. These actions show the workers’ determination to make their voices heard.
What Do the Unions Want?
Last year, the unions gave the government a 17-point demand list. They want more jobs, especially for young people. They also demand better pay and more workdays for MNREGA workers. Plus, they call for an urban job guarantee scheme. The unions criticize the government for ignoring workers’ needs. They say it hasn’t held a labour conference in ten years, sidelining workers’ voices.
The unions also oppose privatization and outsourcing. They believe these policies hurt workers by creating unstable jobs. Instead, they want the government to fill vacant posts and stop hiring retired workers over youth.
How Does This Affect You?
If you’re commuting today, expect delays. Public transport in cities like Kolkata, Kozhikode, and Hyderabad faces disruptions. Banking services may be slow, so plan ahead for transactions. Power cuts are possible in some areas, though full outages are unlikely. However, schools, colleges, and emergency services remain unaffected, so you can rely on them.
In Kerala, travel is especially tough. Families with children face challenges at railway stations and airports. In contrast, Bengaluru sees minimal impact, with normal transport services. If you’re in a protest-heavy area, check for traffic advisories and alternate routes.
Why Now?
You might wonder why the strike is happening now. The labour codes and policies have been around for a while. However, the unions say the government’s inaction pushed them to act. Rising unemployment, costly essentials, and fewer job opportunities have hit workers hard. The unions believe the government prioritizes big businesses over the common person. This strike is their way of demanding change.
The Bharat Bandh shows the power of workers coming together. Over 25 crore people joining hands is no small feat. While some areas like Bengaluru see little impact, places like Kerala feel the full force. The unions hope their actions push the government to listen. Whether it leads to policy changes remains to be seen. For now, the workers stand united, demanding a fairer future.