NEW DELHI — Life in several parts of India slowed to a crawl on Thursday, February 12, 2026, as the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) and a joint forum of 10 central trade unions launched a massive nationwide strike. The “Bharat Bandh,” which began at midnight, is a protest against the recently announced India-US interim trade agreement and the implementation of four new Labour Codes.
Union leaders claim that nearly 30 crore workers from sectors including agriculture, banking, and manufacturing are participating in the agitation.
1. Why is the Bandh Happening?
The protest is fueled by a “double-whammy” of policy changes that critics say favor corporations over the common man.
- The Trade Deal: SKM Convenor Hannan Mollah accused the government of “surrendering” to US interests. Farmers fear that zero-duty US imports will flood Indian markets, making it impossible for local produce to compete.
- Labour Reforms: Trade unions like CITU and AITUC are demanding the immediate repeal of the 2025 Labour Codes, which they argue weaken job security and make “hiring and firing” too easy for employers.
- Additional Demands: The protesters are also calling for the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) and the withdrawal of the Electricity Amendment Bill 2025.
2. Impact Assessment: What’s Open and What’s Closed
The impact has been most severe in states like Odisha, Assam, Kerala, and West Bengal, where trade unions have a strong presence.
| Sector | Status | Details |
| Banking | Disrupted | Public sector banks (SBI, BoB, PNB) face delays in cheque clearance and branch services. Online banking and ATMs are operational. |
| Transport | Hit | “Chakka Jam” protests have blocked key highways. State-run buses in Karnataka and Kerala are running at 20% capacity. |
| Education | Partial | No national holiday, but schools in Odisha and Kerala are largely closed. Delhi and UP schools remain open. |
| Markets | Closed | Wholesale grain markets (Mandis) in Punjab and Haryana are shut in solidarity with the farmers. |
| Emergencies | Open | Hospitals, ambulances, pharmacies, and milk/newspaper delivery are fully exempt. |
3. Regional Highlights
- Punjab: Massive support from the ruling AAP government; major highways blocked by tractor rallies.
- Karnataka: Schools in Bengaluru and Mysuru are monitoring the situation; some private schools shifted to online classes as a precaution.
- Delhi-NCR: High security at borders (Singhu, Tikri) to prevent protesters from entering the capital; traffic congestion reported on the DND Flyway.
4. The Government’s Defense
Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has defended the trade deal, insisting that sensitive sectors like dairy and grains have been “ring-fenced” with explicit safeguards. He characterized the agreement as a “golden milestone” that will give Indian farmers duty-free access to the massive American market.