Bharat Bandh: Trade union stir evokes mixed response in West Bengal

However, the state administration acted swiftly to ensure normalcy by deploying additional police forces across major transit points and urban centres, and operating more bus services. In many places, police lathi-charged demonstrators to maintain normalcy and smooth transport operations.

The government has made attendance mandatory for all state employees, reinforcing its position against shutdowns that disrupt public life and economic activity. The government notice stated, “In view of call given by different trade unions and others for a 24 hours’ nationwide strike/bandh on the 9th July, 2025 (Wednesday), it has been decided that all State Government offices, including those provided with Grants-in-Aid by the State Government, shall remain open and all the employees shall report for duty on that day. It has been decided that no Casual Leave or any other leave for absence either in the 1st half or in the 2nd half or for the whole day shall be granted to any employee on the above-mentioned day.”

The government notification mentioned that the absence of employees will be treated as ‘dies-non’ and no salary will be issued for the day.

However, it granted exemptions in cases such as hospitalisation of the employees; bereavement in the family; severe illness and absence continuing before July 9; employees who had been on child care leave, maternity leave, medical leave, and earned leave sanctioned before July 9.

The nationwide general strike was called on Wednesday to oppose the “anti-worker, anti-farmer and anti-national pro-corporate policies” of the Central government. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha and the joint front of agricultural workers’ unions have also extended support to the bandh and decided to organise massive mobilisations in rural India, as per the trade union leaders.

West Bengal CITU president Anadi Sahu said the strike was called in protest against the Centre’s economic and labour policies, including the rising cost of living, widespread joblessness, and the increase in contractual work. He criticised the new labour codes and the push for public sector privatisation, arguing they undermine workers’ rights and long-standing protections.