Rahul Gandhi Backs Bharat Bandh: What It Means for Workers and Farmers

Rahul Gandhi has openly supported the Bharat Bandh, saying he stands firmly with workers and farmers protesting labour codes and trade policies. The nationwide strike reflects deep concerns about labour rights, agriculture, MNREGA, and the India-US trade framework. Trade unions claim crores of people joined the protest across nearly 600 districts. The message from the streets is clear. People want to be heard.

Why Bharat Bandh Was Called

The Bharat Bandh was announced by a joint forum of central trade unions. Around ten major unions, including AITUC and CITU, backed the strike. Farmer groups under the Samyukt Kisan Morcha also joined.

The protest targets four new labour codes. Workers believe these codes may weaken job security and reduce bargaining power. Many feel the reforms were passed without enough consultation. That feeling has stayed.

Farmers are raising separate but linked concerns. They fear the interim India-US trade framework could hurt agriculture and dairy sectors. For many villages, farming is survival. Any risk feels big.

Rahul Gandhi’s Strong Words

Rahul Gandhi took to social media and said lakhs of workers and farmers were on the streets for their rights. He warned that weakening or removing MNREGA could take away the last support system of villages.

He questioned whether the government would listen now. He also suggested that decisions affecting millions were taken without properly hearing them. His statement made the Bharat Bandh more political, but also more visible.

Farmers’ Fears Over Trade Deals

Farmer unions argue that agriculture and dairy were promised protection in trade talks. They now believe those promises may not hold. Some leaders say tariffs on Indian goods entering the US have increased to 18 percent compared to earlier years.

There are also concerns about other Free Trade Agreements signed with countries like New Zealand, the EU, and the UK. Farmers want clarity. They want written assurance that their livelihood will not be compromised.

For small dairy owners and rural workers, uncertainty creates anxiety. Farming does not run on speculation. It runs on stability.

Impact Across States

Tamil Nadu witnessed disruptions in banking and sections of public services. Trade unions across the state joined the Bharat Bandh. The DMK’s trade union wing extended support.

Nearly 30 crore workers are believed to have participated nationwide, as per union claims. Student organisations and farmer groups widened the support base. The Aam Aadmi Party also announced backing, calling it a fight for self-respect and justice.

The bandh was largely peaceful, though services slowed in several areas.

What Workers Are Demanding

The protesters want the four labour codes withdrawn. They demand a five day work week for bank employees. They oppose privatisation of public sector units. They also want changes to the Electricity Act halted.

Many workers feel reforms favor corporations over labour. Whether that perception is fully accurate or not, it is strong enough to mobilize millions.

What Happens Next

The Bharat Bandh has placed pressure on the government to respond. Dialogue seems unavoidable now. Protests of this scale do not fade quickly.

Whether policies change or not, one thing is clear. Workers and farmers want participation in decisions that shape their future. And leaders like Rahul Gandhi have chosen to stand publicly with them.

The coming weeks may decide how serious this standoff becomes. For now, the Bharat Bandh has sent a message that cannot be ignored.