Over 10 central trade unions, along with farmers’ organisations and allied groups, have called for a nationwide Bharat Bandh on February 12 to protest against the Centre’s policies, which they describe as anti-worker, anti-farmer, and pro-corporate. The joint platform has claimed that nearly 30 crore workers are expected to participate in the general strike across the country, potentially surpassing previous mobilisations.
Union leaders said the strike could affect more than 600 districts nationwide, compared to around 550 districts during last year’s protests. The call for the bandh has been backed by farmers’ groups, agricultural labour unions, student bodies, youth organisations, and several federations.
Among the major demands are the withdrawal of the four Labour Codes, the Electricity Bill 2025, the Seed Bill 2025, and the VB-G RAM G Act 2025. Trade unions have also expressed concern over recent free trade agreements, including a proposed US trade deal, which they claim could harm domestic workers and farmers. Other demands include the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme and the implementation of minimum wages.
The strike is expected to disrupt operations in public sector banks, insurance offices, government departments, public sector undertakings, and industrial and manufacturing units. Sectors such as coal and steel may also be affected, depending on local participation. State-run transport services in some regions could face disruptions, while rural employment works under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) may be impacted in protest-hit areas.
According to union sources, strike notices have been served across government offices, PSUs, industrial hubs, and private establishments. Mobilisation drives have been conducted at district and block levels in both rural and urban areas.
Essential services such as hospitals, ambulance facilities, and emergency healthcare are expected to function normally. Metro services may operate depending on local administrative decisions. Private offices, IT firms, schools, and colleges are likely to remain open, subject to state-level directives. Essential supplies, including milk distribution and pharmacies, are also expected to continue without major disruption.
In Karnataka, the Department of School Education and Literacy has announced that schools will function as usual, although district commissioners have been authorised to take decisions in case of any untoward incidents. Mid-day meal workers have extended support to the strike, prompting authorities to advise schools to make alternative arrangements if needed. The state has around 1.2 lakh school kitchen workers under the PM Poshan Shakti Nirman scheme.
Punjab is expected to see significant participation, with the ruling Aam Aadmi Party announcing its support for the strike alongside trade unions and farmer groups. Farmers’ organisations, including the Samyukt Kisan Morcha, have appealed for widespread mobilisation, urging farmers to join the protest against policies they say undermine workers’ rights and agricultural interests.
