Bharat Bandh Today: Clash Erupts Between TMC Workers And Trade Union Leaders In Darjeeling

A clash broke out in Darjeeling, West Bengal, on Wednesday between members of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and trade union leaders during the Bharat Bandh. The confrontation took place amid a nationwide strike called by various trade unions protesting labor policies and rising inflation.

Meanwhile, despite heavy police deployment, protestors blocked train tracks at key locations under the Eastern Railways’ Sealdah division as part of the Bharat Bandh. Disruptions were reported at Diamond Harbour station (south section), Jadavpur (main section), and Shyamnagar (north section). In Jadavpur, demonstrators staged a foot march, prompting authorities to step up security near the busy 8B bus stand — a crucial public transport hub. However, the stand continued operations with both state-run and private buses running normally. Many bus drivers wore helmets as a precaution to ensure safe commuting, according to ANI.

Protests Reported Across The State
Apart from Kolkata, protestors attempted to block roads in other major cities, including Jalpaiguri, Asansol, and Bankura, as reported by PTI.

State Government’s Response
The Trinamool Congress (TMC)-led West Bengal government has taken a firm stance against the bandh. All government employees were instructed to report to work on Wednesday, July 9. To maintain normalcy, the government arranged for additional buses to keep public transport services running smoothly. TMC, which has been in power since 2011, reiterated its opposition to bandhs, citing the economic loss due to disruption of daily activities.

The Bharat Bandh was called by 10 central trade unions protesting against issues like liberalisation, inflation, rising unemployment, and contractual labour practices. According to CITU West Bengal president Anadi Sahu, the participating unions include: INTUC (Congress), AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC, TUCC, SEWA, AICCTU, LPF, and UTUC.