Nation Rises Together: Bharat Bandh Sees 25 Cr Strong

n a powerful display of unity and resistance, the nation is bracing for a massive workers’ movement as Bharat Bandh Sees 25 Cr Strong on Wednesday, July 9, 2025. This all-India strike, called by a joint forum of ten central trade unions, will witness the participation of over 25 crore workers from multiple sectors, including banking, mining, construction, insurance, and transport. The movement, backed by rural and agricultural unions, aims to challenge what unions describe as “anti-worker, anti-farmer, and pro-corporate” government policies.

The strike is not just another demonstration—it is a nationwide call to action. It signals a tipping point in the growing unrest over privatization, outsourcing, and the dilution of labor rights. With widespread mobilization already underway, Bharat Bandh Sees 25 Cr Strong as a rare moment of collective resistance cutting across formal and informal sectors.

What Triggered the Bharat Bandh?

At the heart of the protest lies frustration with government policies that trade unions claim are dismantling the rights of workers and farmers. The strike comes in response to long-standing grievances, including the privatization of public sector enterprises and public services, widespread outsourcing, contractorization, and casualization of the workforce.

The workers allege that the government has continuously ignored demands from labor representatives, including a 17-point charter submitted last year to Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. Despite repeated appeals, there has been no substantive dialogue. Now, Bharat Bandh Sees 25 Cr Strong, as workers take matters into their own hands.

Who Is Behind the Bharat Bandh?

The call for the general strike is led by a forum of ten central trade unions, which includes:

All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC)
Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC)
Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS)
Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU)
All India United Trade Union Centre (AIUTUC)
Trade Union Coordination Centre (TUCC)
Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA)
All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU)
Labour Progressive Federation (LPF)
United Trade Union Congress (UTUC)

These trade unions are joined by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and a coalition of agricultural workers’ unions, amplifying rural support. Together, they have ensured that Bharat Bandh Sees 25 Cr Strong, making it one of the largest coordinated labor actions in recent years.

Workers’ Allegations and Concerns

The grievances behind this mass mobilization are many. Here’s a look at the key concerns raised by the workers:

No Annual Labour Conference for 10 Years: The unions criticize the government for not conducting the crucial tripartite labor conference, which would allow dialogue among workers, employers, and the government.
Four Labour Codes: These new codes are said to weaken the trade union movement by curbing the right to strike, collective bargaining, and increasing working hours.
Rising Unemployment: Workers point to a job crisis exacerbated by reduced government spending in health, education, and public services.
De-franchising Migrant Workers: The unions allege that electoral reforms are attempting to strip migrant workers of voting rights, beginning with Bihar.
Suppression of Mass Movements: There are claims that states like Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh are criminalizing protests through new public security bills.
Privatization Push: Ongoing divestment in strategic sectors is seen as a move toward corporate control of national assets.

All these factors have culminated in a movement where Bharat Bandh Sees 25 Cr Strong, demanding the government reverse its course.

What Are the Workers Demanding?

The participating workers have issued several key demands:

Immediate halt to privatization of public sector undertakings (PSUs).
Job creation through recruitment against sanctioned vacancies.
Revise and expand MGNREGA, increasing daily wages and number of workdays.
Urban Employment Guarantee similar to rural MGNREGA.
Roll back the four labor codes and initiate genuine dialogue with trade unions.
Strengthen labor law enforcement and protect workers’ rights to unionize.
Increase investment in public education, health, and essential services.

Each of these demands ties into the broader struggle for labor dignity and socioeconomic justice. As Bharat Bandh Sees 25 Cr Strong, these demands are echoed across cities and villages.

Which Sectors Will Be Affected?

With such massive participation, public life is expected to be disrupted across multiple sectors:

Transport: Buses, taxis, and app-based cab services are likely to be affected in many cities.
Banking: Though there’s no formal statement from major banking unions, operations may be hit due to employee absenteeism.
Postal Services: Mail delivery and post office operations may slow down or halt.
Coal Mining and Industries: Strikes by unions in the coal, steel, and minerals sectors could lead to operational standstills.
Construction and Informal Workers: Major urban centers may see slowed infrastructure and labor-dependent operations.
State Departments and PSUs: Government offices may experience reduced staff presence, delaying services.

Despite this, many schools, colleges, and private offices are expected to remain open, although attendance may vary based on location. As Bharat Bandh Sees 25 Cr Strong, disruption will vary regionally depending on the level of union activity.

Historical Context and Previous Strikes

The upcoming strike is not an isolated event. Trade unions have previously held nationwide general strikes on:

November 26, 2020
March 28–29, 2022
February 16, 2024

However, the scale this time is unprecedented. Bharat Bandh Sees 25 Cr Strong is a culmination of years of simmering frustration. The unions are also emboldened by support from farmers’ organizations, which adds moral and logistical strength to the movement.

What Happens After the Bandh?

Whether the strike results in immediate policy shifts remains to be seen. But its symbolic importance is undeniable. The message is clear: India’s workforce will not remain silent in the face of economic exclusion and declining labor rights.

Union leaders have already signaled that this strike could lead to escalated protests if demands are not acknowledged. The fact that Bharat Bandh Sees 25 Cr Strong sends a stern warning to policy makers—neglecting the working class has political and economic consequences.

Final Thoughts: Why This Bharat Bandh Matters

As Bharat Bandh Sees 25 Cr Strong on July 9, 2025, it is more than just a one-day protest—it is a national reckoning. It reflects the growing disparity between corporate progress and worker rights. It shows that while India may boast economic growth, that prosperity is not equitably shared.

This mass movement has struck a chord across the socio-economic spectrum. Workers from both organized and unorganized sectors have aligned. Rural and urban voices are coming together. It’s a powerful reminder that when Bharat Bandh Sees 25 Cr Strong, the collective will of the people becomes too loud to ignore.