The two-day Bharat Bandh organised by various trade unions began since yesterday night across the country where it affected normalcy in some parts of the country. Violence reported in Kerala, West Bengal and Odisha and train, road transportation have disrupted in these states.
Trade unions of different political parties called for 48-hour nationwide as a protest against the anti-worker policies of the central government.
All the assurances of a normal life went in vain in Kerala as many protests have staged in rail and roads that eventually stalled the state's transportation completely. Earlier there was a promise from all the trade unions that normal life will ne restored in the state as Kerala have already witnessed many bands for the last three months due to the political battles in the Sabarimala issue.
Many passengers have stranded in roads and railway stations and trapped in the train as they expected a hassle- free atmosphere in the state.
Meanwhile in Bengal, workers of the Trinamool congress and CPM clashed publicly in Kolkata, Asansol and Hooghly districts and the police had to lathicharge to disrupt the mob in Asansol. Chief Minister Mamata Baneerja took a stand that is completely against the Bharat Bandh.
"We have taken a stand of not supporting any bandh. Enough is enough. In the last 34 years, they (Left Front) have destroyed the state by calling bandh," Ms Banerjee said.
In Odisha, protesters have blocked the National Highway and burned tyres and the trade union CTU members have gathered together for a protest march in Bhubaneswar.
The trade unions across the nation have been demanding for the enactment of the Social Security Act and also calls for a minimum wage of Rs. 24,000 for the unorganised transport sector.
