Live Bharat Bandh today: Trade unions, SKM launch protest against labour codes and India-US deal

In Bengaluru, auto, taxi and transport drivers have extended support to the strike. Auto drivers are set to take part in a protest near Town Hall at 10 am. However, the Auto Association has stated that autorickshaw services will operate as usual.

Authorities have said that schools, colleges, banks, post offices, government offices, KSRTC and BMTC services will continue to function normally.

Jnanesh MP, the executive officer of Akshara Dasoha in Dakshina Kannada, said that many midday meal workers in the district will join the strike. He explained that to prevent problems, Mathru Samitis and SDMCs will cook and serve meals in schools. He added that similar backup arrangements are made whenever midday meal staff are absent due to protests.

After the nationwide strike called by various trade unions, the LDF  government in Kerala has declared a no work no pay for employees. The government issued an order late on Wednesday night stating that unauthorised absence will result in the withholding of salary.

State President of the National Front of Indian Trade Unions (NFITU) for West Bengal, Bumba Mukherjee, said the new labour codes were in the favour of workers. He said his group was protesting against this strike in the interest of workers.

As per the organisers, over 30 crore workers across multiple sectors are expected to participate in the strike.

The Congress Party has extended its support to the Bharat Bandh, saying they will always stand for workers and farmers. Party’s national general secretary, KC Venugopal, has released a letter in solidarity with the trade unions. 

Mohan Charan Majhi-led Odisha Government has directed the district collectors to take preventive measures to maintain law & order in view of Bharat Bandh. A notification has been issued in this regard by the state Home department. 

The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) is participating in the protest over the India-US trade deal. The farmers’ unions have said that the US will now export agricultural products in India, which would affect the market. 

Punjab's ruling party AAP on Wednesday extended support to the nationwide strike called on February 12 by the central trade unions and farmer bodies. In a statement here, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) condemned the BJP-led Union government's "anti-worker labour policies and anti-farmer economic decisions", and announced that its cadre across Punjab and the rest of the country would join the shutdown shoulder-to-shoulder with workers and farmers.

A nationwide Bharat Bandh is expected to lead to major disruptions in several regions. Residents are advised to check the situation in their local areas and plan their travel accordingly. Officials and banks have also urged people to finish any important financial or government-related tasks ahead of time to avoid inconvenience.

• Hospitals and other medical facilities
• Private offices
• Airports 
• ATMs
• Other essential service

• Markets and shops in major cities
• Public sector banks in several regions
• Government offices in most affected areas
• Public transport due to possible road blockades
• Schools and colleges

States including Kerala, Odisha and Karnataka are likely to witness a larger disruption. Trade unions are more active in these areas and an ardent protest is likely to happen here. 

In addition to demanding the withdrawal of the four labour codes, the unions have raised objections to other proposed laws and policies. These include the Draft Seed Bill, the Electricity Amendment Bill and the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Act. They are also seeking the restoration of MGNREGA and the scrapping of the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025.

There is no official holiday for schools, colleges or any other educational institution in the country on Thursday (February 12). However, they will likely get affected in states like Karnataka, Kerala, West Bengal, Odisha and Assam, where the bandh is likely to attract support from the people.

Among the major trade unions backing the strike are CITU, AITUC, INTUC, HMS, AICCTU, LPF and UTUC. Several groups of farmers have also backed the strike.

People across the country may face disruptions due to the nation-wide "Bandh" call by trade unions and the Samyukt Kisan Morcha. As per the claims by organisers, more than 30 crore people are likely to participate in the protest. Several services, including banking, transport, government offices in several areas, and local shops and street vendors, are expected to get affected by the 'Bharat Bandh'.