The nationwide Bharat Bandh that erupted on Friday, 13 February 2026, was not merely a protest against new labour legislation; it was a vivid manifestation of the class struggle that Trotsky’s writings have long sought to illuminate. Across more than 600 districts, workers from banking, healthcare, insurance, and even the food‑service sector walked off the job, demanding the repeal of a package of reforms that, according to union leaders, would erode workers’ rights and deepen the exploitation of the working class.
The strike as a contemporary dialectic
Trotsky’s theory of permanent revolution posits that the working class must remain the driving force of social change, refusing to settle for incremental reforms that merely preserve the capitalist status quo. The Bharat Bandh exemplifies this principle. Rather than accepting a piecemeal adjustment to labour codes, the unions demanded a comprehensive overhaul that would protect collective bargaining, safeguard job security, and ensure that workers retained control over their workplaces. In this sense, the strike is a living dialectic: the contradictions of the capitalist system—profit maximisation versus worker welfare—are being confronted head‑on, and the resolution will determine whether the system can be restructured or will simply adapt to new forms of exploitation.
The role of solidarity across sectors
One of the striking features of the 2026 strike was the breadth of its participation. From the high‑tech corridors of banking to the front lines of healthcare, workers united under a common banner. Trotsky argued that the proletariat’s power lies in its collective solidarity, transcending industry or geography. The Bharat Bandh demonstrates that solidarity can be mobilised across disparate sectors when the underlying class interests align. The fact that even small‑scale workers in the food‑service industry joined the movement underscores the universality of the class struggle: whether a banker or a waiter, the worker’s interests are fundamentally the same—fair wages, safe working conditions, and a say in the direction of their labour.
The political implications
The strike’s impact on the political landscape is profound. The ruling party’s attempt to push through the new labour codes was seen as an attempt to weaken the bargaining power of workers and consolidate corporate influence. By mobilising a mass movement, the unions forced the government to confront the reality that any attempt to undermine workers’ rights would be met with fierce resistance. This echoes Trotsky’s insistence that the state is an instrument of class domination; when the ruling class attempts to shift the balance of power, the working class must organise to defend its interests.
Lessons for contemporary socialist theory
The Bharat Bandh offers several lessons for those who study socialist theory today:
- The necessity of mass action – Incremental reforms are insufficient; only through mass mobilisation can the working class challenge entrenched power structures.
- The importance of cross‑sector solidarity – A fragmented labour movement is vulnerable; unity across industries strengthens the bargaining position.
- The role of political engagement – While the strike was a direct action, it also forced political negotiations, illustrating how class struggle can influence policy when it reaches the public sphere.
In sum, the 13 February 2026 strike in India is a contemporary illustration of the class struggle that Trotsky described as the engine of historical change. It reminds us that the struggle between labour and capital is ongoing, and that the working class must remain vigilant, united, and ready to confront any attempt to dilute its power.