The nationwide Bharat Bandh called by a joint platform of central trade unions witnessed a mixed impact across the country on Thursday, with disruptions concentrated mainly in West Bengal and Odisha, while most parts of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar remained largely unaffected.

The strike was called by a forum of 10 central trade unions, protesting the four new labour laws implemented in 2025, which they allege dilute workers’ rights and make it easier for employers to hire and fire workers. Farmer organisations, including the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), have extended support to the bandh, terming it part of a broader protest against the Centre’s economic and agricultural policies.

Localised disruptions and unrest

In Odisha, tensions escalated in Balasore after a shopping mall remained open during the bandh. Protesters reportedly entered the premises, leading to chaos and scuffles. Police were deployed to bring the situation under control. West Bengal also saw visible participation by trade unions, affecting normal movement in some areas.

In Bihar, left-wing organisations and labour unions held demonstrations in Patna, where hundreds of leaders gathered at Duckbangla Square, raising slogans against the government and demanding the immediate withdrawal of the labour laws. However, daily life in most parts of the state continued as usual.

Similarly, the bandh had limited impact in Uttar Pradesh, including the capital Lucknow, where markets, transport, and offices largely remained open.

Services largely operational

Public transport, banking, educational institutions, and other essential services were affected only sporadically. In Bengaluru, auto and taxi unions expressed support for the bandh and staged protests, though associations clarified that services would continue normally.

Business and trade bodies across the country maintained that no nationwide shutdown of markets or commercial establishments had been called by major business organisations. They urged the public to ignore rumours and said regular business activities would continue without disruption.

Trade unions divided

While 10 central trade unions supported the strike, the National Front of Indian Trade Unions (NFITU) distanced itself from the bandh. NFITU president V. Venkatesh stated that the labour reforms were in workers’ interests and accused certain political parties of politicising the issue.

Political reactions

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra expressed support for the bandh, stating solidarity with protesting farmers and workers. Trade unions claim that nearly 300 million workers across various sectors are expected to participate in the strike.

Key demands

The protesters are demanding:

• Withdrawal of all four labour codes

• Rollback of bills they claim harm workers and farmers

• Strengthening of employment guarantee schemes such as MNREGA

• Legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP) for farmers

• Opposition to privatisation and reduction of government jobs

Despite protests and demonstrations in several states, the Bharat Bandh did not translate into a complete shutdown, highlighting sharp divisions among trade unions, political parties, and business groups over the Centre’s labour and economic reforms.