Bharat Bandh Shuts Down India: Over 25 Crore Workers Join Nationwide Strike
India witnessed a massive Bharat Bandh on July 9, 2025, as over 25 crore workers from various sectors protested against government policies. Public transport, banks, and essential services faced disruptions across multiple states.
On July 9, 2025, India came to a standstill as over 25 crore (250 million) workers and farmers participated in a nationwide general strike — Bharat Bandh. Organized by a coalition of central trade unions, farmers’ groups, and rural labour associations, the strike voiced strong opposition against what they called anti-worker, anti-farmer, and pro-corporate government policies.
The bandh impacted essential services including banking, insurance, coal mining, postal services, and public transport in several states. Road and rail blockades were reported in West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, and Assam, while thousands of bank employees in Gujarat joined the protest, severely affecting day-to-day financial transactions.
Key demands included the repeal of four new labour codes, stopping privatisation of public sector units, raising the minimum wage to ₹26,000, loan waivers for farmers, and expanding employment under government schemes like MGNREGA.
Despite assurances from state authorities in places like Kerala to maintain essential services, significant disruptions were experienced in both urban and rural regions. The organizers hailed the strike as a historic show of unity between workers, farmers, and rural labourers.
The Bharat Bandh serves as a strong message to the central government, reflecting growing unrest over economic policies and labour rights, while prompting discussions on urgent reforms and worker protections nationwide.