Bharat Bandh 2025: 25 Crore Workers Strike to Shake the Nation!
On July 9, 2025, India is poised for one of the largest collective protests in its recent history as over 250 million workers, spanning diverse sectors, prepare to participate in a nationwide strike known as the Bharat Bandh. Organized by a coalition of ten central trade unions and bolstered by the support of farmers’ organizations like the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, this monumental action aims to challenge what the organizers describe as the government’s “anti-worker, anti-farmer, and pro-corporate” policies. The strike is expected to disrupt essential services across the nation, from banking and postal operations to coal mining and public transportation, sending a powerful message to the corridors of power in New Delhi.
A Unified Cry Against Policy Shifts
The Bharat Bandh is not a spontaneous outburst but the culmination of months of meticulous planning by unions representing both formal and informal sectors. The joint forum of trade unions, including prominent bodies like the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS), and Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), has rallied workers from industries as varied as banking, insurance, coal mining, construction, and state-run transport. The inclusion of rural workers and farmers, particularly through the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, amplifies the scale of this protest, making it a rare convergence of urban and rural discontent.
The unions’ grievances are rooted in a 17-point charter of demands submitted to Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya in 2024, which they claim has been met with indifference. Central to their protest is the opposition to four new labour codes passed by Parliament, which they argue undermine workers’ rights. These codes, according to union leaders, threaten to erode collective bargaining power, extend working hours, and weaken protections against unfair labour practices. “The government’s policies are designed to cripple the trade union movement and prioritize corporate interests over the welfare of workers and farmers,” said Amarjeet Kaur, General Secretary of AITUC, in a statement to the press.
Beyond labour laws, the unions are also protesting the privatization of public sector enterprises, the rise of contractual and casual employment, and the government’s failure to address unemployment. They demand an increase in workdays and wages under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), alongside similar legislation for urban workers. The unions have accused the government of abandoning its welfare state obligations, favoring instead policies that benefit large Indian and foreign corporations.
A Nationwide Impact: What to Expect
The Bharat Bandh is expected to have a profound impact on daily life across India. Key sectors such as banking, postal services, and coal mining are likely to face significant disruptions. While banking unions, including the Bengal Provincial Bank Employees Association affiliated with the All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA), have not officially declared a bank holiday, participation from public sector and cooperative bank employees could affect branch operations, cash withdrawals, and customer services. Similarly, over 27 lakh power sector workers are set to join the strike, raising concerns about potential electricity supply interruptions in some regions.
Public transportation, a lifeline for millions, is also at risk. State-run bus services, taxis, and app-based cab services may face delays or cancellations due to protest marches and road blockades, particularly in states with strong union presence like West Bengal, Kerala, and Punjab. Although railway unions have not formally joined the Bandh, past strikes have seen protests near railway stations, potentially causing localized train delays. Authorities are expected to deploy additional security at key transport hubs to maintain order, but passengers have been advised to check schedules and plan travel accordingly.
In rural areas, the involvement of farmers and agricultural workers is set to amplify the protest’s reach. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha has pledged massive mobilizations, with rural demonstrations likely to focus on issues like rising input costs, inadequate crop prices, and the perceived neglect of agrarian communities. This urban-rural alliance underscores the Bandh’s broader narrative: a demand for economic justice and equitable policies that prioritize the needs of ordinary citizens over corporate interests.
What’s Open, What’s Closed?
While the strike is expected to disrupt essential services, not all sectors will come to a standstill. Schools, colleges, and private offices are likely to remain open, though operations in some areas may be affected by transport disruptions or protest activities. No official holiday notifications have been issued by state governments for educational institutions, but parents and students are advised to stay updated on local conditions, as demonstrations could impact travel to and from schools.
Private sector participation in the strike is expected to vary. While some private companies, particularly in manufacturing and construction, may see workers join the protest, others are likely to continue operations to avoid financial losses. The extent of disruptions will depend on the strength of union mobilization in each region and sector.
A History of Resistance
The Bharat Bandh of 2025 is not an isolated event but part of a series of nationwide strikes organized by trade unions in recent years. Similar actions took place on November 26, 2020, March 28-29, 2022, and February 16, 2024, each drawing significant participation and highlighting persistent tensions between labour groups and the government. These protests have consistently focused on issues like privatization, labour law reforms, and economic policies perceived as favoring corporate interests.
The 2025 Bandh, however, stands out for its scale and the inclusion of farmers’ groups, which adds a potent rural dimension to the movement. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha, known for its role in the 2020-21 farmers’ protests against controversial farm laws, brings both organizational expertise and grassroots support, making this Bandh a formidable challenge to the status quo.
Voices from the Ground
For many workers, the Bharat Bandh is more than a protest—it’s a stand for dignity and survival. Rajesh Kumar, a contract worker in a state-run steel plant in Chhattisgarh, shared his frustration: “We work long hours with no job security, no benefits, and wages that barely keep up with inflation. The government talks about growth, but where is the growth for us?” Similarly, Lakshmi Devi, a rural worker from Uttar Pradesh, echoed the sentiment: “Farmers and laborers are struggling to make ends meet. The government must listen to our demands for fair wages and support.”
Union leaders like Harbhajan Singh Sidhu from Hind Mazdoor Sabha emphasize the strike’s broader significance. “This is not just about workers or farmers; it’s about the soul of India’s economy. If the government continues to ignore us, the people will show their strength,” he said.
Government Response and Security Measures
The central government has yet to issue an official response to the planned Bandh, but past strikes have prompted heightened security measures, particularly around critical infrastructure like railway stations and government offices. Authorities are likely to deploy additional police and security personnel to prevent violence or major disruptions, especially in urban centers and areas with a history of protest activity.
The unions, however, have emphasized that the Bandh is intended to be a peaceful demonstration of collective strength. “Our goal is to make our voices heard, not to cause chaos,” said a spokesperson for the joint forum. Nonetheless, the sheer scale of participation—over 250 million workers—ensures that the strike will be impossible to ignore.
A Nation at a Crossroads
The Bharat Bandh of July 9, 2025, is more than a one-day event; it is a reflection of deep-seated frustrations with economic policies that many workers and farmers perceive as exclusionary. As India stands at a crossroads between rapid economic growth and rising inequality, the strike underscores the urgent need for dialogue between the government, workers, and rural communities.
For the millions participating, the Bandh is a call for a fairer, more inclusive economic model—one that prioritizes jobs, wages, and social protections over corporate profits. Whether the government will heed this call remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: on July 9, the nation will pause, and the voices of 25 crore workers will resonate across India’s cities, towns, and villages.
Last Updated on: Tuesday, July 8, 2025 11:50 am by Shashivardhan Reddy | Published by: Shashivardhan Reddy on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 11:49 am | News Categories: News, India
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