Nationwide Impact of Today’s Bharat Bandh

Public life across several states in India faced significant disruptions today as nearly 30 crore workers joined the Bharat Bandh. The 24-hour nationwide strike, called by a coalition of 14 major trade unions and supported by various farmers’ organizations, began early this morning. Protesters are primarily demanding the withdrawal of the four new Labour Codes and the proposed India-US interim trade deal.

In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, the impact was visible as leaders from the Left parties and Congress staged sit-ins and road blockades. While emergency services remained operational, public transport and banking sectors saw partial shutdowns. In Hyderabad, key intersections witnessed peaceful demonstrations, while in Andhra, trade unions condemned policies they claim favor corporations over the working class.

States like Odisha, Kerala, and Assam reported a near-total shutdown of routine activities. Thousands of commuters were left stranded at bus terminals, and public sector banks flagged limited operations due to staff participation. The central government has maintained that the reforms are necessary for economic growth, even as opposition MPs protested outside Parliament in solidarity with the workers.