Feel it? That’s the rumble of 250 million Indians rising. On Wednesday, July 9, 2025, a Bharat Bandh a nationwide general strike will see over 25 crore workers (that’s 250 million) down tools to protest what they call an anti-worker, pro-corporate agenda pushed by the central government.

 Why Now? The 17‑Point Flashpoint

Unions aren’t rallying for kicks. They submitted a 17-point charter over a year ago, demanding:

  • Rollback of labour codes that weaken rights

  • Freezing of privatisation moves in banks, PSUs, discoms

  • Restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS)

  • Expansion of MGNREGA work days from 100 to 200

  • Curbing longer working hours, contract labor misuse, and rising insecurity

Add soaring inflation and rural distress and now you’ve got farmers (Samyukta Kisan Morcha) marching alongside workers. 

What Gets Hit?

Expect chaos in key sectors:

  • Banks & insurance: Branch closures, cheque clearance delays thanks to BEFI & AIBEA members walking out 

  • Transport: Buses, autos, cabs might not run; trains could be delayed or blocked by protests

  • Postal services & government offices: Likely to face shutdowns 

  • Power sector work: Major Bangalore-UP discom protests on the docket too

  • Education: Some colleges and schools may shut, though picks vary by region

Essentials like hospitals and pharmacies will probably stay open. Still plan ahead, withdraw cash early, and confirm schedules for your commute.

 Political Puppeteering & Public Pulse

This strike isn’t just union drama, it’s a politically charged statement. Left parties (CPI(M), CPI, CPIML, RSP, AIFB) and teacher unions (like Tamil Nadu’s JACTO-GEO) are backing it 

 A growing public unease over:

  • Diluted labour rights via new laws

  • Creeping privatisation in pension and power sectors

  • Corporate-favoring policies, according to union leaders

This isn’t a fringe , a widespread backlash that feels like déjà vu from 2020, when India saw its largest-ever general strike .

Brace Yourself: What You Can Do

  • Plan travel smart: Avoid public transport until midday; keep alternate routes ready

  • Banking hack: Pull out cash tonight, expect ATM queues Wednesday

  • Check work/school closures: Local unions might call area-wise shutdowns

  • Staples & meds: Stock up early in case deliveries slow

 When People Press Pause

July 9 is more than a blip. It's a scoreboard: workers + farmers vs a trajectory of corporate-first policies. It’s the crescendo of discontent, with 25 crore voices saying, “Stop. We’re not just workers. We’re India.”

Will the govt listen or will this spark a policy rethink? Either way, your morning commute won’t be the same.