9th July Bharat Bandh Highlights: BJD, congress join Bharat Bandh protest against centre’s labour reforms

Commercial vehicles remained off the roads in Assam on Wednesday as members of several unions including tea garden workers staged demonstrations across the state in support of the nationwide strike called by trade unions to oppose the Central government's alleged "anti-labour" policies.

Commercial vehicles and public transport have come to a standstill supporting the All India Road Transport Federation, North East Petroleum Mazdoor Union, All Assam Motor Workers United Forum, All Assam Day-Night Bus Drivers Association, All Assam Cab Operators Union and North East Heavy Goods Carrier Truck Owners and Drivers Welfare Association.

BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad, emphasising that people should only vote from where they live, alleged that the opposition wants to do politics on the shoulders of people who registered themselves as voters "wrongfully".

Addressing a press conference, Ravi Shankar Prasad questioned the INDIA bloc over their opposition to the Election Commission of India's decision to revise the electoral rolls, asking whether they want "to put those in the voter list who should not be there?"

A supporter of the Centre of India Trade Unions, CITU, shouts slogans as an effigy of the Indian Prime Minister burns during a nationwide strike to protest what they call the anti-labor and anti-poor policies of the federal government.

All India Trade Union Congress General Secretary Amarjeet Kaur told PTI that the Bharat Bandh general strike started across the country today, July 9. She has received reports and pictures of the agitation from states, including West Bengal, Kerala, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Bihar.

Normal life was hit in Kerala's Ernakulam district on Wednesday with public transport and commercial establishments shut in the nationwide 'Bharat Bandh' by the combine of trade unions. Many travellers were seen waiting at the bus stops, unable to get buses.

Police resort to lathicharge as workers of Left organisations try to enforce shutdown in Howrah. More than 25 crore workers affiliated with central and sectoral trade unions have announced to go on strike across the country to protest against new labour codes and privatisation, and press for demands such as minimum wage of Rs 26,000 and old pension scheme, according to union leaders.

CITU General Secretary Tapan Kumar Sen said, "On the 17-point charter of the demand, the focus was on the demand to completely scrap the labour ports enacted by the government in 2020 to destroy the country's trade union movement. This will be a highly dangerous exercise, and ultimately, the government aims to dismantle the democratic structure. Against that, the trade unions have given a call for a nationwide general strike."

The Bharat Bandh today, which began Tuesday midnight, has received strong support from trade unions and Left-leaning organisations in the CPI(M)-ruled state. Kerala is witnessing a total shutdown, with shops, institutions, and most services remaining closed. Roads wore a deserted look as buses stayed off the streets, and workers across various sectors stayed away from their duties in solidarity.

Essential services like healthcare, emergency services, and milk supply have been exempted from the strike to avoid public hardship.

Self Employed Women's Association (SEWA) and several other rural communities are participating in the Bandh today. The existing policies are the main reason for the protest from farmers today. They argue for bargaining rights, working hours and labour laws. Then 10 trade unions leading the Bharat Bandh today sent a 17-point charter of demands.

A small fire broke out in West Bengal as workers took to the streets as part of the Bharat Bandh called for today, July 9. Security officials doused the fire promptly.

The unions’ core issues include objections to recent labour reforms, especially the four new labour codes. They assert that these new reforms undermine workers’ rights to strike, the right to organise, and bargain collectively.

Read More: Why is there a Bharat Bandh today and who is calling it?

While there has been no official announcement from banks for today, the sector is likely to be affected due to expected disruptions in postal operations, the regional transport systems, and government offices.