Bharat Bandh on July 9: Over 30 Crore Workers, Farmers to Join Strike
Massive Protest Against Union Government’s Policies
New Delhi, July 7, 2025 — More than 30 crore workers and farmers across India are expected to join a Bharat Bandh on Wednesday, July 9, protesting against the Union Government’s economic and labour policies. The announcement was made by leaders of 10 central trade unions at a joint press conference held in the national capital.
The protest is being organised in support of a 17-point charter of demands, which has reportedly received strong backing from the workforce nationwide.
Why the Bharat Bandh?
Trade union leaders claim that the government’s current economic policies have caused:
- Soaring unemployment
- Unbearable price hikes on essential items
- Depressed wages and job insecurity
- Cuts in education, healthcare, and civic services
They accuse the government of abandoning the welfare model of governance in favour of policies that benefit large corporations, both Indian and foreign.
“This Bharat Bandh is a response to growing inequality and the hardships faced by workers, farmers, and even the middle class,” said a union representative.
Opposition to Labour Codes and Privatisation
The unions also condemned the government’s moves to privatise public sector units and implement new labour laws that, according to them, erode workers’ rights. They highlighted:
- Push for contractualisation and outsourcing
- Privatisation of key public services and enterprises
- Introduction of four new Labour Codes seen as anti-worker
- Longer working hours and weakened social security
- Suppression of the right to strike and collective bargaining
They further alleged that violations by employers are being decriminalised, while trade union activities are being criminalised.
Sectors Joining the Bharat Bandh
The strike is expected to see massive participation from several core sectors, including:
- Coal and mineral industries
- Steel, power, and petroleum sectors
- Banking, insurance, and telecom
- Public and private transport services
Union leaders stated that strike notices have already been issued across these industries.
Workers and Farmers Join Hands
The organisers emphasised that the Bharat Bandh is also a symbol of unity between the country’s two main productive forces — workers and farmers. Efforts are being made to build lasting solidarity in the fight against what they called anti-people policies.
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