Subhechcha Ganguly 
A massive nationwide general strike, dubbed ‘Bharat Bandh,’ is set to take place on Wednesday, with over 25 crore workers from diverse sectors—including banking, insurance, postal services, coal mining, and public transport—expected to participate.
The strike has been called by a joint platform of 10 central trade unions in protest against what they describe as the central government’s “anti-worker, anti-farmer, and pro-corporate” policies. The agitation also draws support from farmers and rural workers across the country, amplifying its scale and impact.
“This strike is the culmination of months of mobilization across both formal and informal sectors. We are expecting more than 25 crore workers to join the protest,” said Amarjeet Kaur of the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC).
The walkout is likely to disrupt key public services nationwide. Sectors such as banking, postal services, coal mining, factory operations, and state-run transport are expected to be among the hardest hit. “Essential services will face widespread disruption,” warned Harbhajan Singh Sidhu of the Hind Mazdoor Sabha.
At the core of the unrest is a 17-point charter of demands that was submitted to Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya last year. The trade unions allege that the government has failed to respond or hold the annual Indian Labour Conference for the past decade, accusing it of showing complete disregard for the concerns of the working class.
With the stage set for one of the largest coordinated labour actions in recent years, the country braces for a day of significant disruption and heightened political temperature.
