Nationwide Strike by Indian Workers Protests Modi’s Economic Reforms, Lasting a Full Day

On Wednesday, hundreds of thousands of workers across India participated in a nationwide strike against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiatives to privatize state-run companies and implement various economic reforms. This strike, organized by a coalition of ten major trade unions alongside farmer and rural worker advocacy groups, was called “Bharat Bandh,” which translates to “Shut Down India.” As a result, public services and manufacturing faced significant disruptions.

The strike presents a challenge to Modi’s efforts to attract foreign investment by easing labor laws to streamline business operations. Coal mining activities were halted across several states, and train services were disrupted as protestors blocked rail networks. Banks, insurance companies, and supermarkets also faced interruptions.

Eyewitnesses reported rallies in cities like Kolkata and Mumbai, where demonstrators chanted anti-government slogans and burned effigies of Modi. In New Delhi, protesters held signs demanding the withdrawal of new labor laws and the cessation of state-run company privatization. Many expressed concerns about labor rights, with student activist Aishe Ghosh highlighting the difficulties faced by migrant workers, particularly regarding job security.

Maimoona Mollah, another protestor, called for more stable employment opportunities rather than contractual positions. Accusations were directed at the government for undermining workers’ benefits under the guise of reforms. Rajendra Pratholi, an activist, criticized the government for allegedly transferring laborers’ rights to capitalists.

While the government has not officially commented on the strike, it has historically dismissed union claims. Workers’ demands include higher wages, a stop to privatization efforts, the repeal of new labor laws, and resolution of government job vacancies. Meanwhile, farmer groups are advocating for increased minimum purchasing prices for staples like wheat and rice.

Despite the government’s emphasis on facilitating foreign investment and bridging the budget deficit through privatization, trade unions remain skeptical and are calling for the new laws to be repealed.