Argus News - Bharat Bandh in Progress, Disrupts Normal life in Odisha

Bhubaneswar, Feb 12: India witnessed a 12-hour Bharat Bandh onThursday, called by more than 10 central labour organizations and independent federations, with support from major Left parties including CPI, CPM, and Forward Bloc.

The bandh, which began at 6 am and has been announced to continue until 6 pm, was organized to protest against the recently implemented four labour codes, which trade unions allege are anti-worker and anti-farmer.

The impact of the bandh was strongly felt throughout Bhubaneswar. At the railway station, labour leaders blocked the main gate. This led to chaotic scenes as passengers struggled to enter or exit.

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A mother was left outside while her child remained inside the station, and several women passengers, who had arrived for catering work, were stranded overnight waiting for buses. Patients and families visiting AIIMS Bhubaneswar also faced difficulties, while ticket counters saw heavy crowds.

Across Odisha, vehicular movement was disrupted as buses and private vehicles stayed off the roads. Shops and markets in major junctions remained closed, though essential services such as medical facilities, fire brigades, water supply, electricity, and government offices continued to function. Emergency services were exempted from the bandh.

The bandh was marked by sporadic incidents of unrest, including reports of vandalism and clashes in certain areas. Protesters forcibly enforced shutdowns, leading to public inconvenience.

Police forces were deployed extensively to maintain law and order, with 20 platoons stationed in the capital city alone. PCR teams and local police officers kept strict vigil to prevent untoward incidents.

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Labour unions argue that the government’s decision to replace 44 labour laws with four consolidated labour codes undermines workers’ rights and benefits. They claim the new framework favours corporate interests while weakening protections for employees and farmers.

Despite the disruption, the bandh drew mixed reactions. While Left parties and unions hailed it as a success, many citizens expressed frustration at being forced into compliance. Commuters, patients, and daily wage earners bore the brunt of the shutdown, highlighting the tension between political protest and public inconvenience.