In Pics: Bharat Bandh by trade unions hits normal life across Odisha

Bhubaneswar: The 24-hour nationwide strike called by trade unions disrupted normal life at several places across Odisha.

The workers participated in shutdown by the CPI(M) affiliated-Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) across the state to protest against Centre’s ‘disinvestment, privatisation and anti-labour policies’ pressing for 12-point demands including fixing minimum wage and equal wage for equal work.

The protestors hit the streets alleging that government has failed to tackle challenges posed the crisis-ridden economy, but busy in privatising and selling public sector units (PSUs).

The vehicular traffic and train services were affected across the state due to bandh.

Apart from CITU, nine other trade unions — Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS), All India United Trade Union Centre (AIUTUC), Trade Union Coordination Centre (TUCC), Self, Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU), Labour Progressive Federation (LPF), United Trade Union Congress (UTUC) — took part in the bandh.

However, the BJP-affiliated Bhartiya Mazdoor Sangh did not participate in the nationwide strike.

While Congress joined the bandh in Odisha, the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) did not extend its support to the protest.

Here’re pictures of Bharat Bandh across Odisha