Bharat Bandh 2025: Why Over 25 Crore Workers and Farmers Are Shutting Down India Today

Bharat Bandh 2025: A nationwide strike has been announced by a coalition of 10 central trade unions, in collaboration with farmers' and rural workers' groups, to oppose what they claim are the central government’s “anti-worker, anti-farmer, and pro-corporate” measures. With more than 25 crore workers set to join across multiple sectors, the Bharat Bandh on July 9 could significantly disrupt daily life.  

Months of Mobilisation Across Sectors

The strike is expected to disrupt major sectors nationwide. “Banking, postal, coal mining, factories, and state transport services will be affected due to the strike,” said Harbhajan Singh Sidhu of the Hind Mazdoor Sabha. 

Amarjeet Kaur of the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) noted that months of mobilisation have taken place in both formal and informal sectors, with farmers and rural workers expected to join protests across the country.

What Do Trade Unions and Farmers Want?

At the centre of the protest is a 17-point charter of demands that unions submitted to Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya last year. These demands include the rollback of the four new labour codes, protection of employment, guaranteed minimum wages, and the revival of the Indian Labour Conference, which has not been held for the past decade. 

Unions argue that the four labour codes passed by Parliament weaken workers’ rights, restrict unionisation, increase working hours, decriminalise employer violations of labour laws, and curb workers’ rights to strike or collectively bargain.

In a joint statement, the unions said, “The government has abandoned the welfare state model and is pursuing policies that favour corporations, both Indian and foreign.” They have also opposed the continued privatisation and outsourcing of public sector enterprises and jobs.

This Bharat Bandh is part of a continuing wave of protests by trade unions, with similar strikes held on November 26, 2020; March 28-29, 2022; and February 16, 2023. The unions have pledged to keep up their agitation until their demands are met.

India Bloc Stages Bihar Bandh Over Electoral Roll Revision

Coinciding with the Bharat Bandh, opposition parties in Bihar, including the RJD and its Mahagathbandhan allies, have called for a statewide ‘Bihar Bandh’ to protest the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.

The protest, backed by the Congress, Left parties, VIP, and Pappu Yadav, includes road blockades in Sonpur and Hajipur, where burning tyres were used to stop traffic. In Jehanabad, RJD’s student wing blocked train tracks. Early visuals showed RJD supporters obstructing movement on the Gandhi Setu bridge.

Later in the day, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav are expected to lead a protest march from the Income Tax office (Golambar) to the Election Commission’s office in Patna. They have criticised the SIR process as hasty and confusing, alleging that it benefits the ruling NDA and undermines voter rights.

Will Schools, Colleges, and Offices Remain Open?

Despite the scale of the strike, no official notification has been issued regarding the closure of schools, colleges, or government offices, which are expected to operate as usual. However, potential disruptions in public transport may affect the movement of students, teachers, and office-goers, leading to delays. In past strikes, local authorities have occasionally made last-minute decisions, so parents and commuters are advised to monitor local updates.

Private businesses are also expected to remain open unless impacted by transport issues or local conditions on the day of the strike.

Read More: Bharat Bandh On July 9: Will Schools, Banks, Offices And Trains Be Affected? Full List Of What’s Open & Closed

What Services Will Continue?

Hospitals, emergency services, internet, and mobile networks are expected to function normally during the strike. While essential services will continue, the overall impact of the Bharat Bandh will depend on regional participation levels and the scale of protests in different states.

This is not the first time trade unions have launched a general strike over these demands. Similar nationwide protests were held on November 26, 2020; March 28-29, 2022; and February 16, 2023. Trade unions have asserted they will continue their struggle until their demands are addressed by the government.

ALSO READ: Bharat Bandh Today: Why India Is Observing a Nationwide Strike; Are Schools, Banks, Offices, and Trains Affected? 10 Key Points