A joint platform of 10 central trade unions has confirmed the Bharat Bandh scheduled for February 12, 2026, predicting participation from around 30 crore workers across the country. The strike, originally called on January 9, 2025, aims to protest what the unions describe as anti-worker, anti-farmer, and pro-corporate policies of the central government.

Expected impact: The unions said the agitation will affect at least 600 districts, surpassing last year’s 550-district impact. Odisha and Assam are expected to be completely shut down, while other states may face partial disruptions.

Support from farmers and students: The Samyukt Kisan Morcha has pledged full support, mobilising farmers for both their own demands and the unions’ causes. Agricultural workers’ unions and student groups are also actively participating in campaigns across cities and villages.

Key demands: The unions are demanding the scrapping of four labour codes, withdrawal of the Draft Seed Bill, Electricity Amendment Bill, and the SHANTI Act. They also seek restoration of MGNREGA and repeal of the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025.

Preparations: Notices have been served across sectors, and unions are coordinating campaigns at district and block levels, encouraging widespread participation from government and private sector workers, farmers, students, and citizens.

The ten central trade unions participating include INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC, TUCC, SEWA, AICCTU, LPF, and UTUC. According to All India Trade Union Congress General Secretary Amarjeet Kaur, strong preparations at the local levels indicate that this strike could be the largest in recent years. Public sector, private sector, and industrial establishments are being engaged to ensure maximum participation. Farmers, youth, and citizens are also actively supporting the bandh to voice their concerns against the government policies.