What Is Bharat Bandh and Who Is Behind It?

The Bharat Bandh on July 9, 2025, is a nationwide strike organized by a consortium of 10 central trade unions, including the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) and other affiliated bodies. The protest is backed by over 25 crore workers from sectors like banking, postal services, mining, construction, and transport

The unions are protesting against what they call the “anti-worker, anti-farmer, and pro-corporate” policies of the central government. The strike is also supported by farmers’ organizations and rural workers, making it one of the largest coordinated protests in recent years.

Key Demands of the Trade Unions Strike

The unions have submitted a 17-point charter of demands, which includes:

• Revival of the Indian Labour Conference

• Withdrawal of labour law reforms that allegedly dilute workers’ rights

• Job security for contract and gig workers

• Minimum wage guarantees

• Opposition to privatization of public sector units

Despite repeated appeals, the unions claim the government has not responded adequately, prompting today’s All India Strike

Which Services Are Affected Today?

Affected Services:

• Bank Strike: Many public sector banks are closed or operating with limited staff.

• Postal Services: Disruptions reported across major cities.

• Public Transport: State-run buses in Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Kochi are affected.

• Government Offices: Attendance is low in several departments.

Unaffected Services:

• Emergency Services: Hospitals, police, and fire departments are operational.

• Private Sector: Offices and schools remain open.

• Metro and Cab Services: Including Rapido, are running normally in most cities

State-Wise Impact: Karnataka, Kerala, and Bengaluru

Karnataka Bandh:

In Bengaluru, the bandh has led to traffic disruptions, especially near government offices and transport hubs. State-run buses are partially suspended

Kerala Strike:

Markets in Kochi like Fashion Street are shut. The strike has strong support from local trade unions

West Bengal & Bihar:

Protests turned intense in Kolkata, where a fire broke out during demonstrations. Police are on high alert

Rapido and Other Transport Services: What’s Open?

Despite the bandh, Rapido bike taxis and app-based cab services like Ola and Uber are operational in most cities. However, users may face surge pricing and longer wait times due to traffic disruptions and roadblocks.

Why This Is Trending Right Now

The Bharat Bandh is trending across social media and news platforms due to:

• Massive participation: Over 25 crore workers involved

  Political tension: The strike challenges the central government’s economic reforms

• Public disruption: Banks, transport, and postal services are hit

• Visual protests: Viral images from Kolkata and Siliguri showing intense demonstrations

According to Google Trends, searches for “Bharat Bandh,” “Bank Strike,” and “Karnataka Bandh” have spiked by over 300% in the last 24 hours.

FAQs About Bharat Bandh July 9, 2025

Q1: Is Bharat Bandh confirmed today?
Yes, the strike is underway and has affected multiple sectors across India

Q2: Are banks open today?
Most public sector banks are closed or operating with limited staff due to the Bank Strike

Q3: Will Rapido and metro services run today?
Yes, Rapido and metro services are mostly unaffected, though delays may occur.

Q4: Why are trade unions protesting?
They are opposing labour reforms and demanding better worker protections

Q5: Is the strike happening in Kerala and Karnataka?
Yes, both states are witnessing significant participation and disruptions

Final Thoughts: What This Strike Means for India

The Bharat Bandh on July 9, 2025, is more than just a protest—it’s a statement of resistance against policies perceived as undermining workers’ rights. With over 25 crore participants, the strike has disrupted daily life and sparked national debate.

Whether this movement leads to policy changes or fades into the background depends on how the government responds in the coming days. For now, the All India Strike remains a powerful reminder of the collective voice of India’s working class.