Bharat Bandh partially disrupts public services in Visakhapatnam

Public services were partially disrupted across the city on Wednesday due to the Bharat Bandh, called by 10 central trade unions. Protesters took to the streets, blocking public transport, and forcing closure of several government offices, banks, and schools. Some private and corporate schools also voluntarily declared a holiday.

The strike was led locally by CITU district general secretary R.K.S.V. Kumar, AITUC district president M. Manmadha Rao, and INTUC district general secretary B. Nagabhushanam. Senior leaders, including CITU state general secretary Ch. Narasinga Rao, AITUC national vice- president D. Adinarayana, and INTUC State general secretary Mantri Rajasekhar, strongly criticised the Union Government’s policies and reforms.

Speaking at the rally, Mr. Narasinga Rao alleged that the Centre’s economic reforms were aimed at weakening the public sector and eroding workers’ rights. “The government is prioritising corporate interests and undermining the public sector, which is a dangerous trend for the country,” he said. A major demand raised was to stop the privatisation of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), particularly the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant.

Members of the Insurance Corporation Employees Union (ICEU), affiliated with the All India Insurance Employees Association, also joined the one-day strike. Employees from 21 branches in the Visakhapatnam division participated in the protest.

Former MLC M.V.S. Sarma, addressing the gathering, condemned the government’s push to privatise banks, LIC, steel plants, and other key PSUs. He termed the proposal to raise FDI in insurance to 100% as “harmful” and criticised the imposition of GST on life and health insurance premiums. He also demanded the immediate repeal of the newly introduced four labour codes, calling them “regressive” and “anti-worker.”