New Delhi (Sputnik) — A nationwide strike in India entered its second day on Wednesday, after a consortium of 10 trade unions opted to take industrial action, resulting in chaos throughout the country, including widespread transport disruption.
The impact of the shutdown was seen in the states of West Bengal, Odisha, Karnataka and Kerala. Instances of vandalism and violent protests were reported in many areas, while train cancellations left commuters in disarray.
Visuals from Patna: RJD, SP, HAM & Left parties participate in the two-day nationwide strike called by Central Trade Unions demanding minimum wages and social security schemes among others. #Biharpic.twitter.com/rx8pnACkGS
Karnataka: #Visuals from Hubballi of the 48-hour nationwide strike called by Trade Unions against Union government demanding minimum wages, social security schemes & against privatisation of public and government sector pic.twitter.com/E2iji4zNzv
West Bengal: Members of the Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) protest inside Maidan metro station in Kolkata in support of the two-day nationwide strike called by Central Trade Unions demanding minimum wages and social security schemes among others. pic.twitter.com/NkihQZRb0M
Reactions and comments on social media have been varied, with critics slamming the strike as "politics."
Bandh called in the NE to protest against the Citizenship Amendment Bill. Bandh in rest of Bharat by trade unions & left. So All they want is a bandh to attack Narendra Modi directly. Confused people giving a taste of old days to us.Welcome Loss to businesses & govt #BharatBandh
Meanwhile, supporters of the nationwide shutdown hit out at the Indian government's apathy towards the minimum wage rate.
Others talked about the perils of the agrarian crisis plaguing the country.