The samyukt kisan morcha and several trade unions have called for a bharat bandh on february 12, 2026, protesting the india-us trade deal and labor policies. The strike may disrupt banking, transport, and education services, though emergency services are expected to remain operational.
A nationwide strike, known as bharat bandh, is underway across india on february 12, 2026, called by several trade unions. A joint forum of 10 central trade unions, including intuc, aituc, hms, citu, aiutuc, tucc, sewa, aicctu, lpf, and utuc, has organized it, with the samyukt kisan morcha (skm) specifically backing it against the india-us interim trade agreement.
Skm convenor hannan mollah told ani, "The agreement will be a betrayal against farmers...We are surrendering before the shrewdness of us. The government has surrendered. Piyush goyal should resign. He betrayed indian farmers." He warned that us imports would flood indian markets with cheaper goods, leaving "our farmers finished."
The strike protests various central government policies, demanding repeal of the four labour codes, restoration of the mahatma gandhi national rural employment guarantee scheme (mgnregs), rollback of policies weakening civil services, revival of the old pension scheme, and withdrawal of the national education policy (nep) 2020. Unions claim nearly 30 crore workers will participate, affecting over 600 districts.
What may close: Schools and colleges in states like kerala, karnataka, odisha, and west bengal could shut if local groups support the bandh. Banks may operate partially or close in some areas, public transport could see delays or cancellations, and markets might remain partially shut. No official closures announced in delhi or bengaluru.
What will remain open: Hospitals, ambulances, and emergency services are expected to function normally. Air and rail services should run, but passengers are advised to check for updates due to potential traffic disruptions.
Union minister piyush goyal defended the deal, stating sensitive sectors such as dairy, grains, fruits, vegetables, and spices are protected from us imports. The government noted that indian agricultural products will get zero-duty access to the us market, with no tariff concessions for us farm products entering india.
Reports from odisha, kerala, and west bengal show local participation, including ksrtc workers and private bus associations in kerala.
