A nationwide strike, known as the Bharat Bandh, was conducted on July 9th to protest against the central government’s perceived ‘anti-worker, anti-farmer, and anti-national pro-corporate policies.’ The strike involved an estimated 25 crore public service workers from across the country. The initiative was spearheaded by a joint platform of 10 trade unions that criticized the government for impeding national progress amidst the ongoing unemployment crisis.
Key participants in the strike included workers from banking and insurance, rural and farm unions (Samyukta Kisan Morcha), postal services, state transport staff, and workers in coal mining and factories. The strike was expected to affect banking and postal services, public transport, and coal and steel production. Educational institutions and private offices were expected to operate normally.
Trade unions expressed concerns over job security due to privatization, the government’s perceived neglect of a 17-point charter, and the implications of new labor codes. Commuters were advised to anticipate potential transport delays and adjust their schedules accordingly.