Bharat Bandh: Nationwide strikes hit railways, streets fill with trade unions protesters - In photos

A massive 'Bharat bandh' swept across India on Wednesday, as 10 major trade unions, backed by farmers and rural workers, launched a coordinated strike against centre’s "anti-worker, anti-farmer" policies. (Image: AP)

Public sector bank employees staged protests during the country-wide strike, opposing centre’s move towards privatisation. The strike disrupted services across several branches as workers demanded job security and protection of public assets. (Image: AP)

Rural child care workers participated in the nationwide strike, shouting slogans against centre’s labour policies. The protest in Ahmedabad highlighted growing concerns over privatisation, job insecurity, and alleged erosion of workers’ rights. (Image: AP)

Bank employees and members of various trade unions also took part in the strike, voicing against centre’s labour policies. The city witnessed coordinated demonstrations from various worker groups demanding better protections. (Image: AP)

During the strike, tensions flared in Kolkata as police intervened to clear roadblocks. A policeman was seen snatching a car tyre from a CITU supporter who had used it to obstruct traffic. (Image: AP)

A protester burns an effigy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Bharat Bandh. The act symbolised growing anger over centre’s alleged anti-labour and anti-poor policies, as demonstrations erupted across multiple states. (Image: AP)

Even as protests raged across Kolkata, a bus driver continued his route, saying he supports the Bandh but must work to earn. He wore a helmet inside the bus as a precaution, fearing the situation could turn volatile on ground. (Image: X/ANI)

AICCTU members gather in Delhi as part of Bharat Bandh 2025, staging a protest at Jantar Mantar against the Union government’s policies (Image: X/ ANI)

Members of RJD's student wing staged a rail blockade at Jehanabad railway station in solidarity with the Bharat Bandh. Raising slogans against centre’s labour policies, the protest paralysed train movement and intensified the shutdown’s impact in the state. (Image: X/ANI)

The impact of Bharat Bandh was also visible in Tripura, with markets shuttered and roads largely deserted. (Image: X/ CPIM)

Kozhikode trade unions staged widespread protests during the Bharat Bandh. Shutters stayed down and roads wore a deserted look as unions slammed Centre’s “pro-corporate” stance and alleged erosion of labour rights. (Image: X/ANI)

Unlike other parts of the country, Chennai state-run bus services operated smoothly despite the Bharat Bandh. While trade unions alleged the centre’s policies favour corporates over workers, the shutdown saw limited impact in Tamil Nadu. (Image: X/ANI)