On February 12, 2026, India is witnessing a nationwide strike, known as Bharat Bandh. This event is expected to disrupt several sectors, especially banking. Although the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) hasn’t declared a holiday, many public sector banks have warned of possible service interruptions due to a strike called by employee unions.
Bank unions like AIBEA, AIBOA, and BEFI have joined forces to protest against four new labor codes. The State Bank of India has reported that while they are making arrangements to keep services running, disruptions may still occur. Similarly, Bank of Baroda and UCO Bank have echoed these concerns. Customers should check with their local branches since while digital services might be available, physical operations and cheque clearances could be delayed.
Over 600 districts are expected to feel the impact of this strike. Unions claim that approximately 30 crore workers will participate. The Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), and others are also supporting the bandh, reflecting widespread discontent among workers.
An outspoken critic of the government’s policies, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), links this strike to its campaign against an interim trade deal between India and the US. SKM’s leader, Hannan Mollah, has labeled the deal a “betrayal,” arguing that it could lead to cheaper imports flooding the Indian market, which would harm local farmers. The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Punjab has expressed solidarity with the strike, condemning what they see as the government’s “anti-worker” and “anti-farmer” stance.
In contrast, Union Minister Piyush Goyal has defended the trade agreement, suggesting it marks a significant step in India’s economic journey. He insists that the deal protects sensitive agricultural sectors and ensures that Indian exports will have zero-duty access to the US market, while no tariff concessions are given on US farm imports. This defense reflects a stark division in how the agreement is perceived across various political and economic lines.
Recent surveys indicate strong public sentiment on labor issues, with a substantial portion of the workforce feeling underrepresented and undervalued. Reports show that the last decade has seen increased strikes and protests, highlighting growing dissatisfaction with government policies affecting labor and agriculture.
As India navigates these complex issues, the interplay between labor rights and trade policies will continue to evolve. How these developments unfold will significantly shape the economic landscape and workers’ rights in the country.
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