India is seeing a Bharat Bandh (nationwide strike) on February 12, 2026, as central trade unions protest against the Centre’s policies they call “anti-worker and pro-corporate.” A joint forum of more than 10 central trade unions says around 30 crore workers are taking part in the one-day general strike.
The unions are angry about four new labour codes that replaced 29 older labour laws. They say these new laws weaken workers’ rights, make jobs less secure, and help employers more than workers. They are asking the government to withdraw these labour codes and other policies they oppose.
The strike is affecting many services across the country. Banks, transport, insurance and postal services are partly disrupted in several states. Farmers’ groups and other organisations have also joined the protests, making this a large public demonstration.
