Bharat Bandh Today LIVE Updates: Protesters block railway tracks, public transport takes a hit as Bharat Bandh comes into effect
- editorijimsjournal
- Jul 9
- 2 min read
On July 9, 2025, India is witnessing one of its largest coordinated strikes in recent years as a joint platform of 10 central trade unions has called for a nationwide Bharat Bandh, triggering widespread disruption across multiple sectors. The protest, backed by over 25 crore workers from critical industries including banking, insurance, postal, construction, public sector undertakings, coal mining, and state transport, is aimed at opposing what the unions describe as the central government’s “anti-worker, anti-farmer, and pro-corporate” policies.
The strike, which came into force early this morning, has significantly impacted normal life in several states. Public transport services have been hit hard, with train tracks blocked in places like Jadavpur (Kolkata), Jehanabad (Bihar), and Bhubaneswar (Odisha). In West Bengal, visuals show bus drivers of state transport wearing helmets for safety as protesters continue blocking roads and railway lines. Meanwhile, shopping malls and markets remain shuttered in Kerala’s Kottayam, and demonstrations have taken over key roads in cities like Jalpaiguri and Bankura.
Despite the widespread agitation, schools, colleges, and private businesses have largely remained open, and essential services such as hospitals, police stations, and fire departments continue to operate normally. However, travel woes persist, with road blockades and rail disruptions inconveniencing commuters in various regions. While metro and app-based cab services are functioning, delays are being reported in several metro cities.
The unions are demanding the revival of tripartite discussions through the Indian Labour Conference, which they allege has not been convened in over a decade. A 17-point charter of demands, submitted to Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya last year, remains unaddressed according to union leaders. At the heart of their grievance is the implementation of four consolidated labour codes, which replace 44 existing laws. While the Centre claims the reforms are pro-worker, critics argue that they dilute protections and favour employers.
Political reactions have also followed. In West Bengal, the Trinamool Congress government has made office attendance mandatory for state employees and bolstered public transport to maintain normalcy. In contrast, Left-affiliated unions have been at the forefront of the protests, especially in states with strong trade union presence.
The Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) and various farmers’ groups have also joined the movement, adding further momentum and widening the scope of participation. In isolated incidents, such as in Bengal, fires were reported during street demonstrations, though authorities quickly brought them under control.
As Bharat Bandh continues throughout the day, authorities remain on high alert with police deployments at key intersections and transport hubs. The impact of the strike is expected to vary across states, depending on local participation and administrative response.
With the bandh highlighting deep-rooted dissatisfaction over labour rights and economic policy, today’s events reflect a broader debate about the direction of India’s employment and industrial relations landscape. Whether this strike prompts policy dialogue remains to be seen, but it has certainly rekindled national attention on the working class’s place in the country’s growth story.
Original Source: Indian Express News, July 09, 2025
Comments