Video Editor: Vishal Kumar
Several incidents of vandalism and violence were reported in various parts of the country during the two-day long nationwide strike called by at least 10 central trade union workers, demanding minimum wage and social security schemes.
School Bus Vandalised, TMC and CPM Workers Clash in West Bengal
West Bengal witnessed sporadic incidents of violence after trade union workers hit the streets in several parts of the state. A school bus was attacked during protests in Kolkata, following which, state bus drivers were spotted wearing helmets for protection. Clashes broke out between protesters and police in the state capital. Police detained several CPM workers who had joined in the protests.
A state-run bus was vandalised in Asansol that also witnessed scuffle between CPM and TMC workers. Train lines were blocked by agitators in Howrah.
Buses and Autos To Stay Off Roads in Karnataka, Airport Operations Affected
Visuals of trade union workers protesting against privatisation of public and government sector came in several parts of the state including Hubli, Kalaburgi, Shimoga and Mandya.
Operations were hit at Bengaluru airport creating obstacles for commuters. Stones were reportedly pelted by miscreants on a Bengaluru Municipal Transport Corporation bus near Basaveshwaranagar.
The state government in Karnataka has given indirect support to the bandh. Almost all state run institutions excepts hospitals are shut. All public transports including buses and autos stayed off the roads. Schools are expected to remain shut across the state.
Schools To Remain Shut Across Kerala
Normal life was severely hit in Kerala as some trade union members blocked trains and vehicles plying on the road. Private bus services, taxi-hailing services, Ola and Uber were halted. Thampanoor in Thiruvananthapuram saw some tension as some protesters stopped autorickshaws from plying on the roads. A scuffle broke out in Kayamkulam in Alappuzha as shopkeepers were being forced to put up the shutters. The police arrested and removed the protesters.
AICCTU Members Take To Streets In Various Parts of the National Capital
The All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU) members took to the streets of Patparganj industrial area in New Delhi to protest against the privatisation of public sector demanding minimum wages and social security, among other things.
Protesters Block Railway Lines In Guwahati, Assam
Trade union workers’ agitation even reached Assam’s capital Guwahati. Protesters blocked railways lines and disrupted train services through the day.
Protesters Block Roads and Burn Tyres In Bhubaneswar
Trade Union workers hit the streets in Odisha’s capital Bhubaneswar, demanding minimum wages and social security among others. Agitators blocked roads and burnt tyres affecting commuters across the city. Traffic movement was affected on National Highway 16 due to protest by Central Trade Unions in Bhubaneswar.
Mumbai's Best Employees Take to Streets
It will cost nearly Rs 3 crore in losses in daily ticket earnings to Mumbai’s BEST if its employees decide to go ahead with joining the 48-hour Bharat Bandh, The Times of India reported. Nearly 25 lakh commuters are also expected to be affected, if BEST employees join the strike.
The BEST management has also issued a circular warning employees of stringent action if they participate in the 'illegal' strike. BEST has also threatened to invoke MESMA (Maharashtra Essential Services Maintenance Act).
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)