Bharat Bandh 2025: Strike by 25 Crore Workers?
A massive Bharat Bandh, supported by trade unions and farmers, has disrupted services across India as over 25 crore people protest for jobs, wages, and against privatisation.
Across India, many people have seen viral photos and videos related to the Bharat Bandh happening today. This nationwide strike has affected several services in different parts of the country. The Bharat Bandh has been called by 10 major trade unions, with strong support from the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM).
More than 25 crore people from different sectors like banks, railways, coal mines, postal services, factories, and more have joined the protest. Even rural workers, food delivery boys, Ola drivers, and students are taking part in the strike. Due to this, many daily services have slowed down. Trains and buses are running late, some post and courier deliveries are delayed, and several bank branches have very few or no staff. Work in steel and coal factories has also reduced.
Farmers from Punjab, Haryana, and Maharashtra are protesting in fields and outside district government offices. The protestors have made a list of 17 demands and shared it with Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. These include jobs for youth, filling 30 lakh vacant government posts, better wages for rural workers, and an end to contract-based hiring.
India has a very large number of unemployed young people. Many of them feel hopeless because even after years of studying and training, they are not able to get stable jobs. Instead of hiring fresh talent, many government offices are giving jobs to retired people again. This has made the youth even more frustrated and angry, and that’s why many students are also part of this protest.
The protestors are also raising their voices against privatisation. They are unhappy that the government is selling public companies like LIC and BPCL to private owners. Many are upset because permanent jobs are now being replaced by short-term contracts or outsourced jobs, which do not provide job security or benefits.
Even though the protest is so large, the government has not yet given any official statement. There have been no talks with protestors, which has increased their anger. Many are saying that the government is ignoring the common worker and only listening to big corporate companies.
Most banks, stock markets, and schools are open today, but services are slow in some places. Metro, bus, and train services are facing delays in many cities. In Bengaluru, major services are running normally. However, in areas like Bhubaneswar (Odisha), Kerala, and parts of West Bengal, there have been major disruptions in public transport and services.
One protestor said, “This government only listens to corporates. Not the common worker.” The big question now is—Will the government finally talk to the workers and farmers? Will the 17-point demand list be accepted?
