Bharat bandh: National strike assumes proportions of a bandh in Kerala

The 24-hour national strike called by public and private sector workers’ unions to protest against the “anti-labour” policies of the Central government assumed the proportions of a bandh in Kerala on Wednesday (July 9, 2025).

The lockdown of services almost halted private and public stage carriage and long-distance services, inconveniencing hundreds of passengers caught in the strike’s vortex, including many families with minor children, who alighted at railway stations and airports in the State.

The Joint Strike Committee activists prevented KSRTC from operating even skeletal services in Kerala. They also blocked interState bus services and freight movement, resulting in altercations with the police in different parts of the State. 

Hundreds of unionised bank employees walked off their jobs for the day, disrupting banking operations and commerce.

Hotels remain closed

The majority of hotels and restaurants remained closed, especially in Thiruvananthapuram, with employees failing to report, primarily due to a lack of transportation.  Online food ordering and delivery were disrupted, with most restaurants remaining offline. 

In Thiruvananthapuram, the railway canteen at the Central station witnessed long queues. People also flocked to wayside eateries that sold snacks and tea, as well as canteens run by various government departments, including the police. 

Autorickshaws and taxis remained off the road, limiting the public’s ability to contract ride-hailing services. 

The lack of public transportation and the unavailability of staff prompted universities to postpone examinations. Attendance was poor at public offices, despite the government declaring a “dies non” (a day of non-attendance). 

Ministers’ support

The Secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram was almost devoid of employees, except senior secretaries. Cabinet Ministers did not appear at their offices in support of the strike.

The strike supporters had exempted hospitals, milk distribution, medical stores, clinics and other essential services from the protest. However, a lack of transport impeded hundreds of outpatients from keeping their medical appointments.

Trade union activists who joined the nationwide general strike on Wednesday block KSRTC buses in front of the Pavangad depot in Kozhikode city
| Photo Credit:
K. Ragesh

The Tourism sector also ground to a halt due to a lack of staff and allied services, including transport. However, trade unions had exempted the hospitality industry from the strike.

Commerce came to a halt in major business centres in the State. The iconic Chalai market in Thiruvananthapuram wore a deserted look. Scores of lorries ferrying provisions and vegetables from other regions remained parked unattended. Fish and meat stalls remained closed. A large section of the ASHA community of healthcare workers supported the strike, demanding labour protections, rights, and minimum wages.

Rural employment guarantee scheme beneficiaries also supported the strike called by central trade unions, except the BJP-allied BMS union. Municipal workers and farmers’ organisations joined the strike. 

Police protection

The State police gave additional security cover to Central government institutions and escorted buses ferrying ISRO and VSSC employees. 

Minister for General education and Labour V. Sivankutty walks from his residence to the party office in Thiruvananthapuram in solidarity with the national strike on Wednesday
| Photo Credit:
Nirmal Harindran

Labour Minister V. Sivankutty told reporters in Thiruvananthapuram that the national strike was an existential fight to preserve hard-won workers’ rights.

He said that crores of workers in the country were protesting against the contractisation and casualisation of the workforce, which was increasingly resulting in summary dismissals, extensive layoffs, workplace exploitation, and the privatisation of public services and public sector units.

Trade unions took out marches in support of the strike across Kerala.