Bharat Bandh on July 9: Major Trade Union BMS Pulls Out, Calling Strike a Political Move

Jul, 9 2025

Bharat Bandh 2025: Why the BMS Refused to Join the Strike

July 9, 2025, is shaping up to be a landmark day in Indian labor activism, with a nationwide Bharat Bandh planned by a coalition of trade unions and farmers' organizations. The strike aims to rail against government policies like the rollout of new labor codes, privatization, and what unions call the increasing casualization of jobs in key sectors. Yet, the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), often considered a heavyweight among Indian unions, has stirred the pot by opting out, labeling the whole event as a politically driven maneuver.

The BMS, which has roots in the RSS and counts millions of workers in its ranks, says it's stepping back because it sees the strike as less about workers' rights and more about scoring political points. Its leaders accuse organizers of dodging real dialogue, claiming the focus has shifted from labor issues to politics. The BMS isn't just criticizing; it's actively urging its affiliates across India to sit the strike out and look for more productive ways to resolve disputes.

What's really striking is the BMS's stance on recent labor laws. While other unions, including the Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), and the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), are taking to the streets over what they see as anti-worker policies, the BMS has publicly backed two major pieces of new legislation—the Code on Wages (2019) and the Code on Social Security (2020). To them, these laws offer fair chances for minimum wage upgrades and expanded social safety nets, benefits they say many unions are glossing over. The BMS argues these codes give India's workforce better legal protection, especially in sectors that traditionally fell through the cracks.

This split isn't just theoretical; it could really change the shape of the strike. With the BMS choosing not to roll up its sleeves, the event could see thinner turnouts just based on sheer numbers. The BMS holds sway in government sectors, public enterprises, and manufacturing, and its non-participation gives employers and the state a breather, potentially lowering the disruptive force of the Bandh.

What To Expect: Strike Details and Its Ripple Effect

The unions left in play, including the INTUC, AITUC, and CITU, are pushing ahead, banking on broad support from their members and sympathy from farmers' groups. Organizers are targeting privatization in public services, the planned labor codes, and what they say are anti-worker trends such as outsourcing and contract labor. Their calls could resonate in everything from banks and public transport to coal mines and postal services—sectors used by millions every day.

State capitals and industrial towns are bracing themselves. Expect slowdowns and possible chaos in transit; bank operations could be interrupted, mail delayed, and coal production hampered. Farmers, already vocal from previous protests, are planning their own actions, which could include rallies and roadblocks. In some regions, joint protests between city and rural groups are likely to amplify the message, though the measurable impact remains a big question.

By sitting out, the BMS is hoping its approach of policy engagement will show more results than street action. But for those who see the Bandh as a rare chance to highlight hardship, this split just shows how divided labor activism is right now in India. While the government may find it easier to manage without the BMS in the mix, the coming days will reveal whether the movement loses steam—or if resistance flares up in new ways.