New Delhi – India woke up to a nationwide strike today as lakhs of workers and farmers stayed off work. Roads look empty in many places, banks have long queues, buses are running late or not at all, and shops in wholesale markets are shut. This is the Bharat Bandh called by central trade unions and farmer groups like Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM). Unions say more than 30 crore people are taking part across over 600 districts. States like Odisha and Assam are almost completely shut, while big cities see partial impact.
The protest started early in the morning with marches, rallies and road blockades in several places. Police are out in large numbers to keep things peaceful. Essential services – hospitals, trains, flights, milk supply and emergency help – are running normally.
Who Called the Strike and What They Want
A joint platform of 10 to 14 central trade unions started this call. The list includes INTUC, AITUC, CITU, HMS, AIUTUC, TUCC, SEWA, AICCTU, LPF and UTUC. Many bank unions, government employee groups and independent unions have joined them.
Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) and other farmer organisations have given full support. Agricultural workers’ unions are also on the streets.
All India Trade Union Congress General Secretary Amarjeet Kaur said, “This time not less than 30 crore workers will participate. It is bigger than last year’s strike.”
Farmers’ leader Hannan Mollah from SKM said the new India-US trade deal is a “betrayal of farmers” and demanded that Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal resign.
Main Demands
The biggest demand is to scrap the four new Labour Codes that came into force in November 2025. These codes replaced 29 old laws. Unions say the codes make hiring and firing too easy, weaken job security, put a low floor on daily wages (around Rs 178 in some places) and make strikes difficult with a long notice period.
They also want the old Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) back. The government had replaced it with the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025. Unions want 100 days of guaranteed work restored for rural families.
Other demands include:
- Withdrawal of Electricity Amendment Bill, Draft Seed Bill and SHANTI Act
- Stop privatisation of public sector companies
- No 100% FDI in insurance
- Bring back old pension scheme
- Withdraw National Education Policy (NEP) 2020
- Legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops
What the Government Says
The Ministry of Labour and Employment has defended the Labour Codes. Officials say these laws modernise old colonial-era rules, simplify compliance for companies, and extend social security to gig and platform workers for the first time.
On the right to strike, the government says it remains fully protected, but a 14-day notice is needed so that sudden stoppages do not harm the public.
No senior minister has given a direct comment today on the bandh, but the message from the government is clear: protests are allowed, but they must be peaceful and should not disturb essential services.
How the Bandh is Affecting Daily Life
Banking → Public sector banks are hit hard because employee unions are participating. Many branches have limited staff. Private banks are mostly open.
Transport → State-run buses and autos are few in protest-strong areas. Trains and flights are normal. Some cities saw road blockades in the morning.
Government offices → Attendance is low in many places.
Schools and colleges → No national holiday, but in states like Kerala, Odisha, West Bengal and parts of Karnataka many institutions are closed or parents kept children home.
Markets → Wholesale markets and many retail shops in protest areas are shut.
Hospitals and essentials → Fully open. Ambulances, pharmacies, milk, newspapers, water and electricity supply are normal.
In cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai, people are using private vehicles or apps to reach work.
Why the Labour Codes Became a Big Issue
The four codes (Code on Wages, Industrial Relations Code, Social Security Code and Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code) were passed years ago but rules were notified only in late 2025. The government says they will create more jobs and make India business-friendly.
Unions disagree. They say fixed-term jobs will replace permanent ones, contract workers will lose protections, and the minimum wage is too low. Gig workers get some benefits on paper, but unions want stronger rules.
Farmers’ Worry About the US Trade Deal
SKM and other farmer groups say the recent India-US interim trade framework will allow cheap American dairy, fruits, pulses and other goods to enter India with low or zero duty. This will hit Indian farmers hard because they cannot compete on price. They also want a legal guarantee for MSP.
Past Strikes and What May Happen Next
India has seen several big strikes since 2014. The last major one in July 2025 had around 25 crore participants. Unions have warned that if the government does not talk and accept demands, they will plan longer strikes.
People are advised to check local news, bus timings and bank status before stepping out.
FAQs
Q1: What exactly is happening today?
A nationwide one-day strike (Bharat Bandh) called by trade unions and farmers against new labour laws, rural job scheme changes and the India-US trade deal.
Q2: Will my bank be open?
Public sector banks may have short hours or limited service. Private banks and ATMs are mostly working.
Q3: Are trains and flights cancelled?
No. Railways and airlines have said all services will run as usual.
Q4: Are schools closed everywhere?
No national holiday. But in many states schools and colleges have declared holiday or parents are keeping kids home.
Q5: Why are farmers angry?
They believe the new trade deal with the US will flood markets with cheap imports and hurt Indian agriculture. They also want MSP guarantee.
Q6: How many people are joining?
Unions claim over 30 crore workers and farmers.
Q7: Is the strike legal?
Peaceful protest is allowed. Government has asked everyone to avoid violence and not disturb essential services.
Q8: What should I do if I need medical help?
Hospitals, ambulances and emergency services are working normally.
Q9: Will there be more strikes?
Unions have said yes if the government does not hold talks and accept demands.
Q10: Where can I get latest updates?
Check official railway/airline apps, local news channels or your state government website.