Indore, Feb 12 (NationPress) As numerous states in India brace for significant disruptions following a call for a nationwide strike, known as Bharat Bandh, by various trade unions and farmers’ organizations, leaders from Madhya Pradesh have labeled the protest as politically motivated.

In Indore, Umang Bansal, the National Coordinator of Fight for Right, stated to IANS that the strike is entirely driven by political agendas and is unlikely to have a substantial impact on the nation.

“This strike is fundamentally politically motivated, and its repercussions on the country will be minimal. The government’s initiatives are crafted with the workers’ welfare in mind. While there may be some imperfections in the regulations, such disruptions cannot silence the government,” Bansal remarked.

He emphasized the necessity for stakeholders to collaborate and present their grievances to the government for effective resolutions.

“We need to come together and communicate these issues to the government, allowing them to address them accordingly. The various schemes instituted by the government are for the benefit of the workers,” he added.

In Bhopal, Satendra Kumar, a leader from the All India Bank Employees’ Union (AIBEU), echoed similar sentiments, asserting that the strike is politically influenced and commended the government’s labor reforms.

“The call for a strike today is politically motivated. The government’s actions are commendable. The transition from 29 labor laws to four is a significant step forward. Once implemented, the benefits will be evident, propelling us towards the vision of Viksit Bharat,” Kumar informed IANS.

He further mentioned that the new labor codes will enhance Provident Fund (PF) coverage and foster worker welfare.

“These four labor laws are pivotal for increasing PF coverage. This is a great stride towards workers’ welfare,” he noted.

Kumar also highlighted that these reforms would support new entrepreneurs and small enterprises.

“This will also aid those initiating startups and significantly benefit small businesses, aligning with the vocal for local initiative,” he added.

Meanwhile, various sectors, including public sector banks, government offices, transport services, and markets across several states, are anticipated to be affected due to the strike. Some educational institutions may also close in areas where protests are prevalent, depending on local circumstances.

The strike has been organized by a coalition of central trade unions, receiving strong support from farmer groups opposing the new labor codes and the proposed India-US trade agreement.

The unions contest the four labor codes that replaced 29 labor laws last year, claiming these new regulations undermine workers’ rights, diminish job security, and facilitate easier hiring and firing processes for employers. They have also raised alarms regarding privatization, wage issues, and insufficient social security provisions.

According to the unions, strike notices have been disseminated across most sectors, and preparations for the bandh are actively progressing. Their primary demands include the annulment of the four labor codes and related regulations, the withdrawal of the Draft Seed Bill, the Electricity Amendment Bill, and the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Act.

Additionally, they are calling for the restoration of MGNREGA and the repeal of the Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025.