The strike was organised to oppose the proposed India–US trade deal, alleged privatisation measures, the Electricity (Amendment) Bill 2025 and other labour policy changes. In Punjab, trade unions, farmer groups and employee associations staged demonstrations against the trade agreement, claiming it would adversely affect domestic agriculture and employment.
Government offices in several districts of Punjab reported partial disruption. Contract employees joined the strike, while regular staff continued work, resulting in reduced but functional services. Public transport and markets operated normally in most urban centres.
Banks across the country remained open. While some banking employees participated in protests in cities such as Patna, Katihar and Madhepura in Bihar, routine banking operations were not officially suspended. Industry representatives clarified that there was no formal banking shutdown, though minor delays were reported in certain branches.
Protests were also held in other states. In Raipur, a torch rally was organised on Wednesday evening in support of the bandh. Employees affiliated with the Joint Forum of Central Trade Unions demonstrated at Balasore railway station in Odisha. In Alwar, Rajasthan, protesters burned copies of the state budget outside the secretariat. LIC employees in Rajkot, Gujarat, staged demonstrations opposing changes in labour laws.
Shailendra Dubey, Chairman of the All India Power Engineers Federation (AIPEF), said nearly 27 lakh electricity employees and engineers were expected to participate in the one-day strike. He described the mobilisation as one of the largest coordinated industrial actions in recent years. The federation is demanding a halt to privatisation, withdrawal of the Electricity (Amendment) Bill 2025 and the proposed National Electricity Policy 2026, restoration of the old pension scheme, and an end to outsourcing in core services.
Farmer organisations, including the United Farmers Front, extended support to the strike. Agricultural labour groups have raised additional demands, including restoration of MGNREGA provisions and withdrawal of certain proposed rural employment and seed legislation.
The joint platform backing the bandh includes INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC, SEWA, AICCTU, LPF and UTUC. However, the Trade Union Co-ordination Centre (TUCC) distanced itself from the protest, calling it politically motivated and not aligned with workers’ interests.
Authorities continued to monitor the situation, and no major incidents were reported.
