Bharat Bandh today live updates: Flop show or flashpoint? Here state-wise impact

Commercial vehicles were stopped at Khanapara in Guwahati as the Bharat Bandh disrupted transport services in the area.

Transport workers in Moga have joined the nationwide Bharat Bandh in support of the strike call. Bus services in parts of the state have been affected due to the agitation.

Organisers claim that nearly 30 crore workers could participate, making it one of the largest coordinated strike actions in recent years. Here’s a clear, state-by-state and service-by-service breakdown of what this means for you.

Tension flared up in Balasore after a shopping mall remained open during the bandh, triggering unrest in the area. Protesters allegedly entered the mall premises, resulting in chaotic scenes and a scuffle between the two sides, OTV reported.

The Odisha State Committee of the Trade Union Co-Ordination Centre is participating in the nationwide strike called by multiple trade unions to protest against various policies of the central government.

Workers’ unions of the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and associations representing private bus operators have extended their support to the nationwide strike called by central trade unions. The strike has been organised to protest against various policy decisions of the Union government.

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi came out in support of Bharat Bandh. In a post in Hindi, the senior Congress leader said that it’s time the Centre listens to the farmers and workers. “Today, lakhs of workers and farmers are out on the streets across the country, raising their voices for their rights. Workers fear that the four labour codes will weaken their rights. Farmers are concerned that the trade agreement will hurt their livelihoods. And if MGNREGA is weakened or discontinued, villages could lose their last lifeline. When decisions affecting their future were made, their voices were ignored. Will Modi ji listen now? Or is his grip under someone else’s influence too strong? I stand firmly with the issues and struggles of workers and farmers,” he said in the post.

Punjab’s ruling party AAP on Wednesday extended support to the nationwide strike called on February 12 by the central trade unions and farmer bodies.

In a statement here, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) condemned the BJP-led Union government’s “anti-worker labour policies and anti-farmer economic decisions”, and announced that its cadre across Punjab and the rest of the country would join the shutdown shoulder-to-shoulder with workers and farmers.

A joint forum of central trade unions has given a nationwide strike call on Thursday to protest against the “anti-worker” policies of the government.

State President of the National Front of Indian Trade Unions (NFITU) for West Bengal, Bumba Mukherjee says, “The trade unions will hold a strike across the country against the new labour codes… The labour codes issued by the Indian government are in the interest of workers. The old laws were from the British era and a strike is a loss to the country. We want talks first… We are protesting against this strike in the interest of workers…”

Banks are not officially closed on February 12, 2026. However, due to the Bharat Bandh and participation by major bank unions, services at several branches-especially public sector banks-may experience disruptions.

Customers are advised to plan ahead and use digital banking options wherever possible.

The strike highlights growing concerns among worker groups regarding labour reforms and employment protections. Bank unions argue that the new labour framework weakens collective bargaining rights and reduces safeguards for employees. By participating in the nationwide strike, banking unions aim to send a strong message about worker rights, labour laws, and future employment conditions in India.

The impact of the Bharat Bandh may differ across states. In regions where trade unions have a strong presence, transport services, markets, and some government offices may face disruptions.

Public transport could slow down in certain areas, though essential services like hospitals, emergency services, and utilities are expected to continue functioning normally.

Schools and private offices are likely to make decisions based on local law and order conditions.

Even though banks are officially open, customers should be prepared for possible disruptions:

Cash deposits and withdrawals at branches may take longer.

Cheque clearance services could face delays.

Counter services may operate with reduced staff.

Loan processing and in-branch customer assistance could slow down.

Bank of Baroda (BoB) has confirmed receiving a strike notice. In its regulatory filing, the bank stated that the All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA), All India Bank Officers Association (AIBOA), and Bank Employees Federation of India (BEFI) have served a notice to go on strike on Thursday, 12 February 2026, over various issues and demands.

The bank added that while necessary steps are being taken to ensure smooth operations, branch activities may be affected if the strike takes place. Private sector banks have not issued major disruption warnings so far.

In a filing to the BSE, SBI stated that it has been informed by the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) that the All India Bank Employees’ Association (AIBEA), Bank Employees’ Federation of India (BEFI), and All India Bank Officers’ Association (AIBOA) have issued a notice for a nationwide bank strike on Thursday, 12 February 2026.

The bank added that while arrangements have been made to maintain normal operations, work may be affected to a limited extent.

Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC)

All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC)

Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS)

Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU)

All India United Trade Union Centre (AIUTUC)

Trade Union Co-ordination Centre (TUCC)

Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA)

All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU)

Labour Progressive Federation (LPF)

United Trade Union Congress (UTUC)

There is uncertainty regarding the opening of schools and colleges in Karnataka. Students and parents are advised to monitor announcements closely until official guidance is released.

The Delhi Education Department has not issued any formal order to close schools. Parents and students should check notifications from individual schools for updates.

Schools in Chennai are expected to stay open unless transport disruptions lead to last-minute closures. No official shutdown has been declared.

Reports suggest that schools in Punjab are likely to operate normally tomorrow. Any changes will be shared as updates become available.

Schools in the National Capital Region are expected to remain open tomorrow, with no formal closure orders issued.

As of now, there has been no official announcement regarding the closure of schools in Maharashtra. Students are advised to follow updates from their respective institutions.

Public sector banks: May operate with low capacity.

Government offices and PSUs: Low attendance expected.

Public transportation: Reduced frequency for buses and taxis.

Factories and industrial units: Operations may be suspended.

Schools and colleges: Likely to remain closed.

Markets and local shops: Closures expected.

As of now, there is no confirmed information on schools being closed today. Students are advised to stay in touch with their respective schools to avoid missing any updates.

The Bharat Bandh is likely to cause major interruptions today. Authorities are preparing for potential traffic snarls, limited banking access, and disruptions in government services as millions of workers participate in the strike.

Major banking unions, including AIBEA, AIBOA, and BEFI, have joined the bandh. They have warned that several bank branches could remain closed and have urged members to participate. The unions have also called for improved working conditions, including a five-day work week.

The unions have also raised concerns over privatisation, wages, and social security safeguards. Their main demands include rolling back the labour codes and associated rules, withdrawing certain proposed bills, and strengthening employment guarantees under rural job schemes.

A coalition of ten central trade unions has launched the bandh in protest against the Centre’s labour reforms and broader economic policies. The unions argue that the four new labour codes, which replaced 29 existing laws, weaken worker protections, reduce job security, and make it easier for employers to hire and fire staff.