TV
Daily life across several parts of Odisha was affected on Wednesday as a joint platform of 10 central trade unions along with farmer and rural worker organisations called for a nationwide Bharat Bandh.
According to sources, banking services, postal delivery, coal mining, factory operations, and state-run transport systems are likely to be affected by the day-long strike.
The bandh, backed by trade unions including INTUC, AITUC, CITU, HMS, and others, is being held in protest against the central government’s economic and labour policies, which the organisers allege are anti-worker and anti-farmer, sources added.
Over 25 crore workers are believed to have joined the strike either directly or indirectly, with widespread participation reported from rural India as well.
Rallies and demonstrations were held in several states, leading to traffic congestion and disruption in public services. Protesters demanded the rollback of labour code reforms, an end to privatisation of public sector units, price control on essentials, and better social security for unorganised workers.
While emergency services remained operational, the shutdown was visibly felt in industrial hubs, mining belts, and parts of urban centres, where public transport ran on limited routes and government offices saw thin attendance.
Meanwhile, security was tightened in sensitive areas to prevent any untoward incidents.
