Normal life is likely to be affected in Kerala on Tuesday as the two-day Bharat bandh by Central trade unions against the alleged 'anti-labour policies' of the Narendra Modi government began.
In Kerala, protesters have been blocking trains at several railway stations including in Ernakulam, Thiruvananthapuram, Alappuzha and Kozhikode. Jan Shatabdi Express and Raptisagar Express were yet to begin service as the protesters were blocking the railway tracks in Thiruvananthapuram. The Venad Express that was to start at 5am from Thiruvananthapuram began service at only 6.30am. Several people are stranded at railway stations and airports across Kerala.
With buses of the state-run KSRTC staying off the roads, commuters and office-goers are finding it difficult to reach their destinations. The 'Pamba' services of the KSRTC, which caters to pilgrims heading to Sabarimala, have been reported to be running normally.
The Bharat bandh has been called by the central trade unions, including CITU and AITUC, demanding fulfilment of a 12-point charter of demands including inflation control, minimum monthly salary of Rs 18,000, equal pay for equal work, social security provisions, discontinuation of foreign investments in railways, banks and insurance sectors and jobs for unemployed youths.
Kerala Hotel and Restaurants Association state president Moideen Haji said hotels would remain open. Indian Medical Association Kerala secretary Dr N. Sul said doctors and other medical staff would reach hospitals. The trauma care ambulance network will be utilised if they faced hindrance on the road.
Public sector banks could also be affected since the All-India Bank Employees Association and the Bank Employees Federation of India would be participating in the Bharat bandh.
The State Bank of India (SBI), the country's largest bank with 85,000 branches, was likely to remain operational on Tuesday and Wednesday, along with a few other nationalised banks.