New Delhi, February 12, 2026 — Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi today extended his full support to the nationwide Bharat Bandh called by central trade unions and farmers' groups, sharply questioning whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi would heed the protesters' demands or remain under an external "grip."
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Gandhi voiced solidarity with lakhs of workers and farmers participating in the day-long strike, describing it as a crucial stand against policies he claimed threaten their livelihoods and rights. "Today, lakhs of workers and farmers across the country are on the streets to raise their voices for their rights," he wrote in Hindi, highlighting concerns over the four labour codes, which workers fear will dilute protections; the India-US trade agreement, seen by farmers as harmful to their interests; and potential changes or weakening of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), which he called the "last lifeline of villages."
Gandhi accused the Modi government of ignoring these voices while making critical decisions affecting millions. "When decisions affecting their future were taken, their voices were ignored," he stated. He then posed a pointed rhetorical question: "Will Modiji listen now? Or is the 'grip' on him too strong? I stand firmly with the workers and farmers on their issues and their struggle."
The nationwide strike, observed on February 12, 2026, was called by a joint forum of 10 central trade unions (CTUs) in coordination with the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM). It protested against what organizers termed "anti-worker, anti-farmer, and anti-national pro-corporate policies," including the labour codes, privatisation efforts, the Electricity Amendment Bill 2025, alterations to MGNREGA, and the proposed Seed Bill.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also backed the strike, slamming the Centre for prioritizing corporate interests over the working class and agrarian communities. The protests saw participation from industrial workers, power sector employees, agricultural labourers, and others, with demonstrations and shutdowns reported in various states.
Gandhi's remarks came amid an ongoing Budget Session debate, where he had earlier criticized the India-US trade deal in Parliament, alleging it compromised national interests and placed India in a vulnerable position vis-à-vis Washington.
The government's response to the strike and Gandhi's comments was awaited, even as the Bharat Bandh aimed to pressure the Centre into addressing long-standing grievances of workers and farmers. The strike's impact varied across regions, with reports of partial disruptions in transport, banking, and essential services in several areas.
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