- By Deeksha Gour
- Wed, 09 Jul 2025 04:37 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Kerala News: Kerala witnessed a complete shutdown from Tuesday midnight as the 24-hour nationwide strike, called by central trade unions, brought normal life to a halt across the state. The protest, which began at midnight, was held to oppose the central government’s alleged anti-labour policies.
The strike received wide support in the CPI(M)-ruled state, with shops, offices and schools remaining shut. Public transport, including buses and autos, largely stayed off the roads. Only a few private vehicles were seen moving on the otherwise deserted streets.
Commuters were left stranded at bus stands and railway stations in several districts. Police personnel assisted stranded individuals by ferrying them to important locations such as hospitals in official vehicles.
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Protesters Block KSRTC Buses, Clash With Staff in Kochi And Kollam
Protesters from various trade unions marched through cities and towns, raising slogans against the central government. They blocked Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses and stopped auto rickshaws that tried to operate. In Kochi and Kollam, heated arguments broke out between agitators and KSRTC staff.
In Kochi, a KSRTC driver wearing a helmet while on duty went viral online. The driver, Shibu, said he wore the helmet out of fear of attacks and was not supporting the protest. His bus, heading to Kollam from Pathanamthitta, was later stopped by demonstrators.
Autos Also Pulled Off Roads in Thiruvananthapuram
In Thiruvananthapuram, some auto rickshaws operated briefly in the morning but were also stopped by protesters. Most roads across the state remained empty as workers across sectors joined the strike.
Shops, Markets and Malls Remain Shut Statewide
While the trade sector also came to a standstill—with all types of shops, including malls and roadside stalls, closed—essential services such as healthcare, milk supply and emergency services continued to operate without disruption.
To discourage government staff from taking leave during the strike, authorities enforced a ‘dies-non’ rule. Still, attendance in government offices remained low as the protest received strong support from trade unions and Left-leaning groups.
The strike was organised by the Joint Platform of Trade Unions, which includes 10 central trade unions and several sectoral federations.
(With Inputs From PTI)
