A 24-hour nationwide Bharat Bandh begins at midnight tonight, February 11, 2026, continuing through February 12. Organized by the Joint Trade Union Committee, representing 10 central trade unions, the strike targets the BJP-led Central government. Demands include the withdrawal of Labour Codes, reinstatement of MGNREGS, and repeal of the Draft Seed Bill, Electricity Amendment Bill, SHANTI Act, and the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025.
While no official nationwide school or college closures are mandated, institutions anticipate operational hurdles. Public transport—buses, cars, lorries, and autorickshaws—is expected to join, impeding commutes. States like Odisha, West Bengal, Karnataka, Kerala, and Haryana, with strong union presence, are particularly vulnerable to transport disruptions.
The strike foresees a widespread halt across numerous sectors: industrial, agricultural, commercial, and trade. Special Economic Zones and shopping malls will also be affected. State government employees, teachers, and workers in banking, insurance, defence, railway, port, aviation—including contract staff—have pledged support. Participants span fishing, street vending, press, construction, gig platforms, plus many private/public industries and financial institutions.
Essential services are exempted: milk, newspapers, ambulance, hospitals, pharmacies, Fire and Rescue. However, most shops and markets are expected to close, and motor vehicles largely off roads. Exemptions also cover Sabarimala pilgrims, Maramon Convention, and specific panchayats. The RSS-linked Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) confirmed it will not participate.