Bharat Bandh: Will Bengaluru be affected? Here’s why the city remains largely unhindered despite nationwide strike

While a nationwide Bharat Bandh has been called today by ten major trade unions protesting central government policies, Bengaluru has remained largely unaffected. From schools to industries, the city is functioning almost as usual, with limited participation in the strike.

Also Read:Bharat Bandh today: Who’s participating and what are the key demands?

All government and private schools and colleges are open and running as scheduled. Public transport, including BMTC buses and Namma Metro, are operating normally. Even app-based taxis and cabs are available without any reported disruptions.

In Bengaluru’s major industrial zones like Peenya, operations are continuing in all three shifts. Industrial associations have clarified that although a few labour leaders and workers may take part in the bandh, the majority of units are running without interruption. Peenya Industries Association has stated that the bandh has had little to no impact on manufacturing activity.

Unlike other parts of the country where banks and public sector units have reported disruptions, Bengaluru's banking and postal services are mostly functional. However, some bank and postal employees who support the protest may be absent today.

Protesters in Bengaluru have not received permission for a citywide rally. Instead, the only authorised demonstration is being held at Freedom Park at 11:30 AM. The protest is being coordinated by the State Joint Action Committee of Labour Unions. KV Bhatt, one of the key organisers, stated that around 8,000 people are expected to gather at Freedom Park. He demanded the presence of a Cabinet-ranked state minister at the protest site, warning that if no one addresses their concerns, the unions would take to the streets.

Key Demands Behind the Protest:

• Withdrawal of the four new labour codes viewed as anti-worker
• Guarantee of minimum living wages
• Legal protection for contract and informal workers
• Opposition to forced land acquisition
• Implementation of welfare and pension schemes for unorganised workers
• Assured support prices for farmers’ produce

Despite these demands gaining national traction, Bengaluru’s daily life and operations remain mostly uninterrupted.