July 9, 2025
Nationwide Bharat Bandh (India Shutdown)
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| BHARAT BANDH |
India Shutdown by Joint alliance of central trade unions, farmer bodies, and rural labor associations
India witnessed a massive countrywide shutdown on July 9, 2025, as over 250 million (25 crore) workers and farmers participated in a Bharat Bandh, protesting against policies they called pro-corporate and anti-worker. The strike aimed to challenge rising privatization, changes in labor codes, the erosion of public sector jobs, and the ongoing agrarian crisis. It was more than a protest—it was a wake-up call to the government.
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The strike was supported by a large number of organizations, including:
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10 Central Trade Unions:
INTUC, AITUC, CITU, HMS, AIUTUC, TUCC, SEWA, AICCTU, LPF, and UTUC
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Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) and other farmer organizations
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Participation from rural workers and agricultural labor groups
Notably, BMS (Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh) did not support the bandh.
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Key Demands of the Protest
The strike was based on a 17-point charter of demands. Key highlights include:
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Withdrawal of the four new labor codes, which are considered anti-worker.
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Halt to privatization of public sector undertakings (PSUs) and national assets.
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Restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) and filling up all government vacancies.
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Fixing a minimum wage of ₹26,000 for all workers.
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Legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) for farmers.
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Full compliance with ILO Conventions 87 and 98 related to labor rights.
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Increase MGNREGA workdays from 100 to 200 per year.
Ground-Level Impact – What Was Open, What Was Shut?
| Sector | Impact |
|---|
| Banking Services | Major disruption in public sector banks; thousands of crores worth of transactions halted. |
| Public Transport | Buses and autos were off the roads in many states like Kerala, Odisha, and West Bengal. |
| Railways | No direct participation by railway unions, but services were affected in some areas. |
| Industrial Production | Coal mines, LPG plants, and oil refineries saw operational pauses. |
| Educational Institutions | Schools and colleges remained open in urban areas; many rural schools stayed closed. |
| Essential Services | Hospitals, pharmacies, and ambulances continued operating normally. |
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| bhart bhand |
On the Ground – Police Action and Protests
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In Tamil Nadu, over 30,000 protestors were detained.
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Highways and roads were blocked in West Bengal, Odisha, and Assam.
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Additional police forces were deployed in sensitive areas like Howrah and Jadavpur.
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Minor clashes were reported between police and protestors in some districts.
What Lies Ahead?
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The central government has not released any official statement in response to the strike.
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Trade unions have warned that if demands are ignored, protests will intensify.
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The strike is being viewed as a turning point in India’s labor and rural resistance history.
FAQs on Bharat Bandh
1. What was the reason behind the Bharat Bandh on July 9, 2025?
The bandh was organized to protest against privatization, new labor codes, loss of public sector jobs, the agrarian crisis, and to demand workers’ and farmers’ rights.
2. Who organized the strike?
It was led by 10 central trade unions, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), and various rural labor associations.
3. Did all trade unions support the bandh?
No. Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) did not support the strike.
4. What were the key demands of the protestors?
Some major demands included:
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Withdrawal of the four labor codes.
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Stopping privatization of PSUs and national assets.
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Restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).
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Minimum wage of ₹26,000 for all workers.
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Legal guarantee for MSP for farmers.
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Increase MGNREGA workdays from 100 to 200.
5. How many people participated in the strike?
Over 250 million (25 crore) workers, farmers, and laborers participated nationwide.
6. Which sectors were affected the most?
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Banking: Major disruptions in public sector banks.
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Transport: Buses and autos off the roads in several states.
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Industry: Coal mines, LPG plants, oil refineries impacted.
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Education: Many rural schools closed; urban schools mostly open.
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Essential services: Hospitals and pharmacies functioned normally.
7. Was there any police action?
Yes. In Tamil Nadu alone, over 30,000 protestors were detained. Highways were blocked in states like West Bengal, Odisha, and Assam, with additional police deployment in sensitive areas.
8. Were there any clashes during the bandh?
Yes, minor clashes between protestors and police were reported in some districts.
9. Has the government responded to the strike?
As of now, the central government has not issued any official statement.
10. What’s next if demands are not met?
Trade unions and farmer bodies have warned of more intense protests in the future if the government does not address their demands.
Verified Sources: NDTV, Hindustan Times, The Indian Express, Times of India.