- विज्ञापन -
New Delhi: A nationwide Bharat Bandh was observed today across several parts of India as farmer unions and trade organisations staged coordinated protests against what they termed as anti-farmer and anti-labour policies of the central government.
The strike, led by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) and backed by central trade unions, saw participation from farmers, daily wage workers, and labourers demanding action on a range of issues including legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP), pension schemes, and rollback of policies promoting privatisation.
The SKM, an umbrella body of over 40 farmer organisations, had earlier announced that July 8 would be marked as an “Industrial Bandh”, during which workers from various sectors would halt operations to show solidarity with protesting farmers. The protest coincided with the beginning of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, giving it added political weight.
Major impact was seen in parts of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and some pockets of Maharashtra, where farmer and labour groups took to the streets, held dharnas, and blocked roads. While public transport services remained largely unaffected in metro cities, rural and semi-urban areas experienced traffic disruptions.
The protestors also raised concerns over issues such as the delay in implementing promises made after the repeal of the three farm laws, particularly the demand for MSP legislation. Trade unions voiced opposition to the new labour codes and called for restoration of the old pension scheme.
No major incidents of violence were reported, although there were isolated cases of minor disruptions and detentions in some states. The police in several regions remained on high alert, and additional forces were deployed to maintain law and order.
