Bharat Bandh on February 12: Farmers, unions march nationwide; roads blocked, transport hit in several states

Bharat Bandh: A countrywide strike called by central trade unions and farmers’ groups on Thursday disrupted transport, markets and daily activity in several states, as protesters rallied against a range of central government policies, including labour reforms, privatisation initiatives and proposed legislation affecting agriculture and public services.

Demonstrations were reported from multiple regions, with strong participation in Odisha, Kerala, West Bengal, Assam and Punjab. Protesters marched with banners and shouted slogans demanding policy rollbacks and stronger worker protections.

Major union participation in Odisha

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In Odisha, the state committee of the Trade Union Co-Ordination Centre led mobilisations along with unions such as INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU and AICCTU. Leaders said workers from different sectors joined rallies and road blockades across districts.

Mahendra Parida, General Secretary of AICCTU, said, "All the Central Trade Unions have joined together in this strike and shutdown. Our demand is against the Prime Minister Narendra Modi government's decision to merge 29 existing labour laws into four new Labour Codes. These codes will turn the working class into slaves of the employers. Under these new rules, workers will no longer have the right to strike, and the working day will be extended to 12 hours. This is a direct violation of International Labour Organisation standards," ANI reported.

He claimed the revised rules could lengthen working hours and reduce legal safeguards for workers. India’s four labour codes-on wages, industrial relations, social security, and occupational safety-were rolled out to streamline compliance and broaden coverage, including for gig and unorganised workers.

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Transport hit, road and rail protests

Public transport bore the brunt of the strike. Bus services were curtailed in parts of Odisha and Assam, while unions linked to Kerala’s state transport corporation and private operators supported the protest, leaving roads largely empty in some areas.

In Punjab, contractual staff from state transport undertakings launched an indefinite strike, disrupting services in cities such as Ludhiana. Protest tactics included highway blockades and rail obstruction demonstrations in select locations. A wedding procession in Bhubaneswar was briefly halted when protesters blocked a highway, highlighting the day’s widespread travel interruptions.

Markets shut in some regions

Shops and small businesses remained closed in pockets where union influence is strong, particularly in eastern states. However, malls and large commercial establishments stayed open in many cities, though footfall was reportedly low.

West Bengal witnessed sparse traffic and shuttered markets in several areas as workers joined demonstrations.

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What remained functional

There was no nationwide holiday declaration. Banks and government offices stayed open, though attendance was thin in protest-affected regions. Essential services such as hospitals, ambulances, pharmacies, fuel supply and utilities continued operations.

Flights and long-distance trains were not officially cancelled, but commuters in some cities faced difficulty reaching stations and airports due to roadblocks and traffic congestion. Metro services were running, though frequencies varied depending on local participation levels.

Strike backed by unions and farmers’ groups

Ten central trade unions coordinated the action, with backing from the Samyukta Kisan Morcha. Organisers said the protest targeted labour codes, privatisation measures, the proposed Electricity Amendment Bill, and other policy changes they believe could affect employment security and farm livelihoods. Union leaders warned that further agitation could follow if their demands are not addressed, signalling the possibility of continued industrial unrest in the coming weeks.