Bhubaneswar: Normal life was affected across several states on Thursday (February 12) due to the nationwide strike called by major trade unions and farmers' organisations in protest against alleged "anti-worker and anti-farmer" policies of the Central government.
The Bharat Bandh, led by major central trade unions including the Confederation of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS) and supported by farmers' groups and several Left parties, aims to highlight issues including the four Labour Codes, the Electricity Bill 2025, the Seed Bill 2025, and concerns over recent free trade agreement.
Early impact of the strike was seen in parts of Odisha, Kerala, Punjab, Tamil Nadu and many other states, with markets shut and buses remaining off the roads.
The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) and other farmers' bodies have also extended full support, saying the India-US interim trade agreement will hurt Indian agriculture by exposing local producers to cheaper imports.
Organisers said the strike is not only about the trade deal but also about a range of government policies. Unions have demanded:
(i) Repeal of the four new labour codes, which they said are weakening worker rights.
(ii) Withdrawal of bills such as the Draft Seed Bill and Electricity Amendment Bill.
(iii) Revival of MGNREGA and related social security measures.
Conclusion: "Will Modi ji listen now? Or is the “grip” on him too strong? I stand firmly with the issues of workers and farmers and with their struggle," he said in a post on X.
