Day one Bharat Bandh: Rail tracks blocked in Bengal, empty streets in Kerala

New Delhi: The two day Bharat Bandh called by a joint forum of trade unions has started early on March 28 with the possibility of affecting some key areas of services including banking, electricity transportation and railways.

Trade Unions called for the nationwide shutdown to protest against what they said the central government's policies affecting farmers and other workers. This is the first such strike after the BJP won the Assembly elections in four of five states.

In Kerala as usual the strike saw visible impact with deserted streets and shops shut, as well as fewer vehicles on the road. At some places, protesters reportedly stopped private cars too. The strike saw demonstrators on many streets in West Bengal too and there were incidents of blocking of train tracks. Visuals showed left-backed demonstrators on the rail tracks at Jadavpur Railway Station in Kolkata.

Amarjeet Kaur, General Secretary, All Indian Trade Union Congress, told PTI that over 20 crore formal and informal workers would participate in the strike joining masses across the country on both days.

Meanwhile the state government issued advisory asking authorities to ensure power supply by keeping close supervision of their regional networks in the event of any contingency. The government offices in the state have been directed to remain open.

As for banking sector, the strike is to impact greatly with unions reportedly participating in the Bandh.

The All India Bank Employees' Association on Sunday said the bank union demands the government to stop privatisation of public sector banks and strengthen them.