On Thursday, February 12, 2026, over 30 crore workers, farmers, and employees from various sectors took part in a huge general strike across India. The strike protested four new Labour Codes and free trade agreements with the United States, European Union, and United Kingdom, the central trade unions said. The joint call came from the Central Trade Unions (CTUs) and farm unions of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM). The protest sought the withdrawal of several bills, including the Draft Seeds Bill, Electricity (Amendment) Bill, SHANTI Act, Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, and Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill. Despite the strike, normal life was largely unaffected, but massive mobilizations and strike actions occurred in more than 600 districts nationwide, according to the CTUs. Mining, manufacturing, and service sectors saw large-scale participation. Workers in industrial areas, including many multinational companies, joined protests and processions. Even defence employees held demonstrations with an hour’s work cut. Railway unions participated in solidarity actions. The CTUs said the government’s attempts to weaken democratic movements have increased anger among workers and farmers. The SKM praised the farmers and workers for the strike, calling it "one of the largest ever general strikes in independent India," highlighting the strong unity between workers and farmers against corporate policies pursued by the BJP-led NDA government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The SKM also noted the widespread anger over free trade agreements, controversial bills, the Union Budget 2026-27, and the failure to ensure minimum support prices as recommended by the MS Swaminathan Commission. The strike reflected deep frustration over denied loan waivers and ongoing farmer suicides. The SKM plans to meet on February 24 in Kurukshetra, Haryana, to decide next steps. Trade Union Coordination Centre leader G. Devarajan called the strike a "powerful expression of protest" and proof of the unity and strength of India’s working masses against anti-worker and pro-corporate government policies.