Today, **February 12, 2026**, a massive nationwide **Bharat Bandh** is indeed underway, with an estimated **30 crore (300 million) workers** expected to participate. This general strike is one of the largest industrial actions in recent history, driven by a coalition of trade unions and farmer organizations protesting against current central government policies.
### Key Organizations Involved
The strike is led by a joint forum of **10 Central Trade Unions (CTUs)** and the **Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM)**, representing a broad spectrum of the Indian workforce:
* **Major Unions:** INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC, TUCC, SEWA, AICCTU, LPF, and UTUC.
* **Banking Sector:** AIBEA, AIBOA, and BEFI have joined, potentially disrupting public sector bank operations.
* **Farmer Groups:** SKM and various agricultural labor unions are mobilizing across rural India.
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### Why are they striking? (Core Demands)
The protesters have identified several "anti-worker" and "anti-farmer" policies they wish to see repealed or amended:
* **Repeal of the Four Labour Codes:** Unions argue these new codes weaken job security and make "hiring and firing" too easy for employers.
* **Opposition to the India-US Interim Trade Deal:** Farmers fear this deal will "finish" domestic agriculture by allowing cheap American imports to flood the market.
* **Restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS):** A consistent demand across government and public sector employees.
* **Withdrawal of New Bills:** Specifically the **Electricity Bill 2025**, the **Seed Bill 2025**, and the **VB-G RAM G Act 2025**.
* **MGNREGA:** Demands for the restoration and strengthening of the rural employment guarantee scheme.
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### Expected Impact Across the Country
| Sector | Expected Impact |
| --- | --- |
| **Banking** | Significant disruptions in public sector banks; digital banking and ATMs remain functional. |
| **Transport** | High impact in states like **Odisha, Assam, and Kerala**. Expect "Chakka Jam" (road blockades) in many regions. |
| **Education** | No nationwide closure, but schools in **Karnataka, West Bengal, and Odisha** may close due to local support. |
| **Essential Services** | Hospitals, ambulances, pharmacies, and milk distribution are **exempt** and should function normally. |
The scale of this strike is notable as it surpasses the participation of the July 2025 strike, which saw roughly 25 crore workers participate.
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