Two-day Bharat bandh called by central trade unions – to protest against government policies – kicked off on Monday.
Kerala, Delhi, Odisha, Bengal, Punjab and Andhra Pradesh were among the states where daily life was affected. The trade unions say they have called the strike against the government’s “anti-worker policies”.
Delhi
In the national capital, banks have shut their branches for the two days. In visuals shared by news agency ANI, a pamphlet outside a Punjab National Bank branch read: “All India Bank Employees Association have called for an all-India bank strike to protest against the government’s plan to privatise public sector banks.”
Since the strike comes after a weekend, bank customers may have to face inconvenience, SBI said, as it advised people to withdraw cash on Sunday.
The roads wore a deserted look as government offices stayed shut. The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) services have been impacted. In the photos shared by ANI, a police van can be seen parked outside the Thiruvananthapuram Central.
West Bengal
Even though demonstrators were seen on the streets, the state government has asked all offices to remain open. Demonstrators backed by the Left Front gathered in huge numbers and blocked railway tracks at Jadavpur Railway Station in Kolkata, ANI reported.
Odisha
The Centre of Indian Trade Union (CITU) Bhubaneswar committee members took to the streets. A long queue of trucks and buses could be seen on the roads as the traffic was disrupted.
Andhra Pradesh
Members of various trade unions demonstrated against various policies, including privatisation of banks. In images shared by ANI, the All India Bank Employees and the AITUC members could be seen marching on the road with flags, banners and placards.
Parliament also saw protests by lawmakers. Trade unions earlier said they were expecting crores to join the protests. Farmers have also backed the strike call