The Bharat Bandh called today and tomorrow in protest against the policies of the Central Government, now its effect is visible in most areas of the country. This bandh also got the support of the All India Bank Employees Association.
Bharat Bandh 2022 and the reasons
A joint forum of the Central Union has called a nationwide Bharat Bandh. The strike is being called in protest against the government policies affecting workers, farmers, and people. This is the first such strike called after the BJP won the assembly elections in four of the five states, in which government policies are being opposed. In the recently concluded assembly elections of 5 states, BJP formed its government by winning a landslide victory in four states.
Bank employees are also supporting this strike. Bank unions are participating in the strike to protest against the government’s plan for privatization of public sector banks as well as the Banking Laws Amendment Bill 2021. Low-interest rates on the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization and rising fuel costs are one of the main reasons for this shutdown.
Kerala streets look deserted due to the effect of Bharat Bandh. Only a few private vehicles can be seen on the roads. The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has stopped its services during the bandh. Help is being provided by the police to help people reach places like railway stations, hospitals, etc in Kerala. Emergency services have been kept out on strike during the Bharat Bandh. The Kerala High Court has restrained five unions of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) from participating in the strike.
In West Bengal, even though trade unions can be seen protesting on the streets, the state government has asked all offices to remain open and employees to attend duty.
CPI MP Binoy Viswam has given suspension notice under Rule 267 in Rajya Sabha over the two-day nationwide strike called by workers across the country to protest against the privatization policies.
Apart from the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), almost all trade unions are participating in the strike. In Parliament, CPI(M) MP Bikashranjan Bhattacharya has moved a motion for the adjournment of business in Rajya Sabha under Rule 267 to discuss the issue of the two-day nationwide strike.
Bharat Bandh has got support from the All India Unorganized Workers and Employees Congress. It has been said by Congress that Rahul Gandhi has been speaking in favor of the demands of the sections involved in the bandh.
The Bengal government has clearly forbidden any casual leave or half-day leave to any employee on March 28 and 29. The government said that if an employee takes leave, then it will be considered as a violation of the order and it will also affect his salary.
