"Absolutely no effect of so-called Bharat Bandh": BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal

New Delhi [India], July 9 (ANI): BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal on Wednesday said that there is no effect of the Bharat Bandh on any commercial market across the country, adding that they are functioning at their regular pace.
Bharat Bandh has been called by a joint forum of 10 central trade unions, alleging that the central government is pushing "pro-corporate" policies.
The statement issued by Khandelwal said, "There has been absolutely no effect of the so-called Bharat Bandh on any commercial market across the country. Trading markets and commercial bazaars are functioning at their regular pace, with normal business activities taking place throughout the day."
The BJP MP further said that traders across India have not supported this call and have chosen to keep their businesses open and running.
"It is evident that *traders across India have not supported this call* and have instead chosen to keep their businesses open and running. The *trading community stands united in its commitment to economic activity and national progress*, and does not endorse such disruptive shutdowns that serve no constructive purpose," the statement added.
Under the 'Bandh', sectors such as state-run public transport, government offices, public sector units, banking and insurance services, postal operations, coal mining and industrial production are likely to be affected.
The trade unions have alleged that the central government is implementing reforms that weaken workers' rights.
CITU General Secretary Tapan Kumar Sen said, "On the 17-point charter of the demand, the focus was on the demand to completely scrap the labour ports enacted by the government in 2020, to destroy the country's trade union movement. This will be a very dangerous exercise, and ultimately, the government is aiming to finish the democratic structure. Against that, the trade unions have given a call for a nationwide general strike."
The participating organisations include Congress (INTUC), All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS), Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), 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), and the United Trade Union Congress (UTUC). (ANI)