Opposition MPs protest anti-people clauses in the Indo-US trade deal and stand firmly with our farmers. India's interests are non-negotiable. Today Bharat Bandh, 12 February 2026 Live News Updates: A nationwide ‘Bharat Bandh’ is being observed on February 12, 2026, with banking services among the key sectors likely to be affected. While the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has not declared a holiday, several public sector banks have flagged possible disruptions following a strike call by employee unions.
Bharat Bandh on February 12: What services could get hit amid support from workers nationwide
Bank unions, including AIBEA, AIBOA and BEFI, have backed the strike in protest against the four new labour codes. State Bank of India told the BSE that services may be impacted to a limited extent despite arrangements for normal functioning, while Bank of Baroda and UCO Bank also flagged possible disruptions. Customers are advised to check with branches, as digital services are likely to function but branch operations and cheque clearances may face delays. The strike, backed by INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC, TUCC, SEWA, AICCTU, LPF and UTUC, is expected to impact over 600 districts, with unions claiming participation of nearly 30 crore workers.
SKM’s opposition to trade deal: The Samyukt Kisan Morcha said the bandh is part of its campaign against the India–US interim trade deal, which it claims will harm farmers. SKM Convenor Hannan Mollah termed the agreement a “betrayal” and accused the government of “surrendering before the shrewdness of the US”, alleging cheaper imports would flood Indian markets and hurt domestic farmers. Punjab’s ruling AAP has backed the February 12 strike, condemning the Centre’s “anti-worker” labour policies and “anti-farmer” decisions, and said its cadre would join the shutdown in solidarity.
Centre’s Defence: Union Minister Piyush Goyal defended the interim trade deal as a milestone “etched in golden letters” in India’s economic history, asserting that sensitive farm sectors have been ring-fenced. He said farmers’ and dairy interests are protected, with safeguards for key agricultural products, while Indian exports will get zero-duty access to the US and no tariff concessions have been granted to US farm imports.
The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) on Thursday termed the nationwide General Strike against the four labour codes and other policies of the Centre as one of the largest in independent India, claiming it cemented worker-peasant unity across the country.
In a statement, the SKM said the strike was "one of the largest ever General Strikes in the history of Independent India" and had strengthened "worker-peasant unity as the backbone of the mass resistance against corporate policies." — PTI
Normal life was affected in Odisha due to a 12-hour nationwide strike called by central trade unions over several demands.
The trade unions called the strike protesting the four new labour codes, "anti-worker and pro-corporate policies" and other economic measures.
Protesters belonging to major trade unions, including CITU, AITUC, INTUC, HMS and UTUC, were seen picketing on all the major roads as soon as the bandh commenced at 6 am.
While the Congress and Left parties, along with their frontal organisations and some farmers' bodies, have extended full support to the bandh, the state's main opposition BJD worker's front -- Biju Shramik Samukhya -- is extending "moral support" to the strike. — PTI
Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, V D Satheesan, on Thursday said the public must debate whether a national strike should be observed as a hartal or a complete shutdown (bandh) in Kerala.
He was responding to reporters' questions about the Congress going ahead with its statewide rally on the day of the nationwide strike, in connection with the upcoming election. — PTI
The nationwide strike call given by central trade unions on Thursday against the Centre's labour reforms and economic policies had little impact in Gujarat, with most services and commercial establishments functioning as usual across the state, officials said.
Trade union representatives in Gujarat held demonstrations at a few places, while some employees of public sector banks remained away from work. However, all other things were functioning normally, officials said. — PTI
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Thursday criticised the total shutdown in Kerala as part of the nationwide strike observed by trade unions against the Centre's labour codes, calling it a "lamentable irony" that turned into a mere "Kerala Bandh".
In a post on X, Tharoor said that while the rest of India has evolved beyond such coercive disruptions, Kerala remains uniquely held hostage by this organised tyranny of the minority over the unorganised majority.
"It is a lamentable irony that today's Bharat Bandh is, in reality, merely another Kerala Bandh," he said. — PTI
Members of various trade unions staged protests in parts of Jharkhand during the 'Bharat Bandh' on Thursday, protesting against the four new labour codes, though normal life largely remained unaffected.
The agitators staged demonstrations at the gates of various coal companies and PSUs, as part of the nationwide general strike called by a joint platform of 10 central trade unions.
However, markets and business establishments opened and vehicles were plying as usual. — PTI
The nationwide strike call given by central trade unions on Thursday against the Centre's labour reforms and economic policies had little impact in Gujarat, with most services and commercial establishments functioning as usual across the state, officials said.
The nationwide strike call had little impact in Gujarat. In a few places in Gujarat, demonstrations were held by trade union representatives, and a few public sector workers stayed away from work. However, according to the officials, all other things in the state were functioning normally.
(PTI)
Leaders and workers from Congress, CPI, and CPI (M) took part in the demonstrations held in Hyderabad and parts of Telangana.
During the protest at Narayanaguda, CPI national secretary Palla Venkat Reddy alleged that "Replacing 29 labour laws with four labour codes is an anti-worker decision by the NDA government at the Centre."
(PTI)
UDF public meetings continue in Thiruvananthapuram while supporting Bharat Bandh. Congress leader K. Muraleedharan said, “Labour codes are against workers’ interests.”
VIDEO | Kerala: “Labour codes against workers’ interests”, says Congress leader K Muraleedharan at UDF public meet in Thiruvananthapuram supporting Bharat Bandh.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 12, 2026
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/FymcmOpjaj
CITU leader Elamaram Kareem critiques UDF for continuing 'Puthuyuga Yatra' during Bharat Bandh.
VIDEO | Ernakulam: “UDF should have suspended Puthuyuga Yatra (statewide political march) during Bharat Bandh”, says CITU National General Secretary Elamaram Kareem.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 12, 2026
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/GC1LpEz7yp
"It is a lamentable irony that today's Bharat Bandh is, in reality, merely another Kerala Bandh," said Congress MP Shashi Tharoor while criticising the total shutdown in Kerala.
It is a lamentable irony that today’s "Bharat Bandh" is, in reality, merely another "Kerala Bandh." While the rest of India has evolved beyond such coercive disruptions, Kerala remains uniquely held hostage by this organized tyranny of the minority over the unorganized majority.… pic.twitter.com/oSllbYhFRg
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) February 12, 2026
One-day strike update from Panaji, Goa, where hundreds joined the demonstrations.
VIDEO | Goa: Hundreds in Panaji join one-day strike supporting the Bharat Bandh.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 12, 2026
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/Ffho0mWv70
"Entire INDIA alliance is showing solidarity with the trade unions leaders who are on strike today," said Congress MP C Venugopal.
VIDEO | Delhi: On day-long strike by trade unions, Congress MP C Venugopal says, "Entire INDIA alliance is showing solidarity with the trade unions leaders who are on strike today because this government is completely anti-labour, anti-farmer, anti-youth."
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 12, 2026
On Union Minister… pic.twitter.com/pTQmLCGPqk
Protest demonstrations in Amritsar against government's alleged anti-worker, anti-farmer, anti-national pro corporate policies.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsVIDEO | Amritsar, Punjab: Members of trade, labour organisations stage a protest in support of nationwide strike. The daylong strike is being observed to protest against what the unions described as anti-worker, anti-farmer and anti-national pro-corporate policies of the central… pic.twitter.com/0Czp0e4qUc
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 12, 2026
Bus services headed to Kerala from the Ukkadam bus stand in Coimbatore were affected.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsVIDEO | Tamil Nadu: Passengers remain stranded at Ukkadam bus stand in Coimbatore as Kerala-bound buses stay grounded due to Bharat Bandh.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 12, 2026
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/zGIZI6cUPa
Port operations in Thoothukudi and Chennai were impacted by the strike.
The demonstration was led by the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU)
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsVIDEO | Tamil Nadu: CITU workers protest in Thoothukudi as part of nation-wide Bharat bandh, urge govt to withdraw PPP pipeline project across central infrastructure ministries and States/Union Territories.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 12, 2026
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/HjSXLAqSt0
Members of trade, labour organisations hold protest march in support of nationwide strike. The daylong strike is being observed to protest against what the unions described as anti-worker, anti-farmer and anti-national pro-corporate policies of the central government.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsVIDEO | Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh: Members of trade, labour organisations hold protest march in support of nationwide strike. The daylong strike is being observed to protest against what the unions described as anti-worker, anti-farmer and anti-national pro-corporate policies of the… pic.twitter.com/zDmgUfuiwJ
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 12, 2026
The nationwide strike called by trade unions against the Centre’s labour codes disrupted normal life in Thiruvananthapuram.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsVIDEO | Kerala: The nationwide strike called by trade unions against the Centre's Labour Codes brought normal life to a standstill in Thiruvananthapuram.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 12, 2026
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/Nker0Rquob
Police detain protesters as AITUC holds rail roko protest as part of nationwide Bharat Bandh against the centre's anti-labour policies.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsVIDEO | Chennai: Police detain protesters as AITUC holds rail roko protest as part of nationwide Bharat Bandh against the centre's anti-labour policies.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 12, 2026
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/XjQkjsW16t
Congress and other Opposition party MPs are staging a protest in Parliament, backing the Bharat bandh. Congress said it was against the "anti-people clauses in the Indo-US trade deal" and "stood firmly with our farmers". "India's interests are non-negotiable. In solidarity with farmers who have called for an All India Bandh, because trade deals must serve people, not pressure, the Congress said in an X post.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsOpposition MPs protest anti-people clauses in the Indo-US trade deal and stand firmly with our farmers. India's interests are non-negotiable.
— Congress (@INCIndia) February 12, 2026
In solidarity with farmers who have called for an All India Bandh, because trade deals must serve people, not pressure.
📍 Makar Dwar,… pic.twitter.com/RdqZIrTMVA
The shutdown, which began at midnight Thursday, is intended to oppose reforms that unions claim weaken job security and labour protections, while also demanding repeal of certain laws and stronger employment assurances. Disruptions to daily life are expected during the strike period.
The coalition of unions argues that the four labour codes introduced in 2025, replacing 29 earlier laws, make it easier for employers to terminate workers without adequate justification. They have also voiced concerns over privatisation trends, stagnant pay, and what they describe as insufficient social security safeguards.
Key demands of protesters
Among the main demands raised by participating unions and organisations are:
Around ten trade unions and an estimated 30 crore workers are participating in the Bharat Bandh. Some banking unions are also backing the bandh call. Several farmer groups, including the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) and the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS), have expressed support. They have raised objections to recent trade agreements that they believe could negatively affect Indian agriculture.
Visuals from Wayanad as a nationwide Bharat Bandh (general strike) of trade unions, farmers against 'anti-worker labour policies and anti-farmer economic decisions' is being observed today.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsVIDEO | Kerala: Visuals from Wayanad as a nationwide Bharat Bandh (general strike) of trade unions, farmers against 'anti-worker labour policies and anti-farmer economic decisions' is being observed today.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 12, 2026
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/r0zjjyL1nk
Members of the Trade Union Co-ordination Centre, Odisha State Committee, take part in the nationwide strike called by various trade unions to protest against the Centre’s policies.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js#watch | Bhubaneswar, Odisha: Trade Union Co-Ordination Centre, Odisha State Committee participate in the nationwide strike, which has been called by several trade unions to protest against various policies of the central government. pic.twitter.com/3PuycQNxAU
— ANI (@ANI) February 12, 2026
Trade Union Co-Ordination Centre, Odisha State Committee participate in the nationwide strike, which has been called by several trade unions to protest against various policies of the central government.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js#watch | Bhubaneswar, Odisha: Trade Union Co-Ordination Centre, Odisha State Committee participate in the nationwide strike, which has been called by several trade unions to protest against various policies of the central government. pic.twitter.com/PKtJRXTNc3
— ANI (@ANI) February 12, 2026
KSRTC workers’ unions and private bus associations have extended support to the nationwide strike, called by several trade unions to protest against various policies of the central government.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js#watch | Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: KSRTC workers’ unions and private bus associations have extended support to the nationwide strike, called by several trade unions to protest against various policies of the central government. pic.twitter.com/p2BYRXfj80
— ANI (@ANI) February 12, 2026
A nationwide strike has been called by several trade unions to protest against various policies of the central government.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js#watch | West Bengal: A nationwide strike has been called by several trade unions to protest against various policies of the central government.
— ANI (@ANI) February 12, 2026
Visuals from several locations in Kolkata. pic.twitter.com/uVeA67YxFy
There is no official nationwide holiday announcement for educational institutions.
However, schools and colleges in states such as Kerala, Odisha and West Bengal may remain closed due to strong local support for the strike, according to multiple reports.
The nationwide general strike has been called to demand the repeal of the four labour codes and the withdrawal of several policies affecting workers and farmers.
India’s working class is preparing for a nationwide general strike on Thursday, February 12, 2026. The protest is being backed by unions representing agricultural, rural and informal sector workers. Fourteen national trade unions have jointly organised the strike. In addition, employees and teachers from Central and State Civil Services, workers’ groups from Central and State Public Sector Undertakings, and independent trade unions are supporting the action.
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