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Bharat Bandh hits life in Kerala; schools and offices report thin attendance

A coalition of 10 central trade unions, in coordination with various farmers’ and rural workers’ organisations, is protesting what they describe as the Centre’s pro-corporate, anti-labour policies.

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kerala bharat bandhMembers of Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) take out a protest rally against central government policies ahead of the proposed nationwide strike by over 25 crore workers from various sectors, in Kochi, Tuesday, July 8, 2025. (PTI Photo)

The Bharat Bandh called by central trade unions to oppose the “anti-worker, anti-farmer and anti-national pro-corporate policies” of the Centre Wednesday hit everyday life in Kerala as government offices, including the state secretariat, reported thin attendance, shops and establishments remained closed, and vehicles kept off the road.

Reports from across Kerala indicated that pro-strike employees belonging to Left unions blocked vehicles in many places, and forced banks and private institutions to shut down.

Although the Kerala Government did not declare a holiday for educational institutions, most schools reported skeletal attendance as authorities did not operate institution buses, fearing an attack from striking workers.

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The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC ) also suspended its services. On Tuesday, Kerala Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar, who belongs to Kerala Congress (B), said he would ensure that buses would conduct regular services on the strike day.

However, CITU leader and convener of ruling Left Democratic Front T P Ramakrishnan rejected the minister’s stand, saying that KSRTC employees will take part in the Bharat Bandh, and dared employees to work.

Over 25 crore workers across banking, insurance, postal, mining, and construction industries are expected to participate in the nationwide general strike.

A coalition of 10 central trade unions, in coordination with various farmers’ and rural workers’ organisations, is protesting what they describe as the Centre’s pro-corporate, anti-labour policies.

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