Trade unions, farmer bodies and Opposition leaders raise concerns over labour reforms, trade agreements and privatisation measures
Workers and farmers across several States participated in a nationwide strike on February 12, responding to a call for a “Bharat Bandh” issued by a joint forum of central trade unions. The protest was organised against various Central government policies, including the four Labour Codes, proposed trade agreements, privatisation initiatives and other measures that unions have described as detrimental to workers and farmers.
The joint platform of trade unions demanded the repeal of the four Labour Codes, withdrawal of the Draft Seed Bill and Electricity Amendment Bill, and the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Act. They also called for the restoration of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act provisions and the scrapping of the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025.
The forum includes the Indian National Trade Union Congress, All India Trade Union Congress, Hind Mazdoor Sabha, Centre of Indian Trade Unions, Self-Employed Women’s Association and several other labour organisations.
Opposition Members of Parliament staged a protest at the Makar Dwar of Parliament in New Delhi, opposing the proposed India–US interim trade agreement. Holding placards, they described the deal as unfavourable to domestic interests and expressed solidarity with the nationwide strike.
Samyukt Kisan Morcha convenor Hannan Mollah stated that the farmers’ body had reviewed trade agreements with the United States, European Union and New Zealand, expressing apprehension about the potential impact of cheaper imports on Indian agriculture. CPI MP P. Sandosh Kumar said his party supported workers opposing the Labour Codes, alleging attempts to curb the strike.
CPI(ML)L general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya criticised the proposed trade deal, asserting it could adversely affect farmers’ interests.
Impact Across States
In Delhi, processions were organised in industrial areas, and a public meeting was held at Jantar Mantar. Demonstrations were also reported from Ranchi in Jharkhand and several districts in Odisha, including Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.
In Chhattisgarh and Goa, nationalised banks and insurance offices were affected as employees joined the strike. In Tamil Nadu’s Sriperumbudur industrial hub, workers held gate meetings. In Madhya Pradesh, civilian employees in defence establishments reportedly reported to work an hour late in support of the bandh.
While banking operations were disrupted in several regions, essential services remained largely unaffected.
With inputs from agencies.
