Kerala appears to be rethinking the dominance of ideology over livelihood. The nationwide strike (Bharat Bandh) organized by central trade unions primarily backed by leftist outfits on 9 July 2025, saw limited support outside the state. Despite being labeled a “nationwide” call, the shutdown was largely confined to Kerala, where it caused widespread disruptions but also faced notable resistance.
The strike, aimed at opposing labor reforms that came in 2019 and protecting public sector enterprises, brought most of Kerala to a standstill. Shops, offices, factories, and educational institutions remained closed. Public transport was severely impacted, stranding many commuters. Despite this, many citizens showed signs of dissent, prioritizing business continuity over political directives.
One such act of quiet defiance was seen in Kozhikode district’s Mukkam town, where some Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) workers attempted to forcibly shut down a business. The employees, however, reacted indifferently, choosing to keep their doors open. A video capturing this moment went viral, drawing praise for their courage and signaling a shift toward a more business-friendly attitude in the region.
CPM goons trying to forcefully shut down a business and the employees giving a middle finger to them !
Welcome to business-friendly Kerala !!pic.twitter.com/0AYti6Wl6k— നചികേതസ് (@nach1keta) July 9, 2025
In the nearby localities of Kuttichira and Nainamvalappu in Kozhikode, normal life continued undeterred. Shops, restaurants, auto-rickshaws, and street vendors operated as usual. Residents enjoyed local delicacies like banana fritters and beef roast, sending a clear message that community welfare and economic stability trump ideological bandhs.
This resistance wasn’t spontaneous. According to local shopkeeper Naseem Abdullah, the community had collectively resolved years ago not to support any form of shutdown, regardless of who calls it even their own political representatives. “We respect every cause, but bandhs are not our way,” he explained.
Violence and Intimidation Marred the Strike
Despite the visible pockets of resistance, there were alarming reports of violence and coercion across Kerala. A government employee, Vishnu Radhakrishnan of Adimaly Vadakkekkara, was reportedly assaulted by CPM cadres at his office in Kumaly for reporting to duty during the bandh. Vishnu, who is currently on probation, stated that he tried to explain his situation, but was later surrounded and beaten in front of female colleagues. He later received medical treatment and filed a police complaint.
Addition to the thread: 2
Probationary employee Vishnu was beaten up by hartal supporters in Kerala.
Let's not forget, one of the demands of today's strike is: "The right to work should be made a fundamental right." pic.twitter.com/dYBAPkke0B
— Anand #IndianfromSouth (@Bharatiyan108) July 9, 2025
Across various districts, clashes erupted between protestors and those defying the strike. In Mukkam, a disturbing incident was reported where T. Viswanathan a CPM district leader and CITU state committee member allegedly threatened to burn down a fish shop with kerosene if it remained open. Eyewitnesses claimed that he and his supporters threatened to pour kerosene and set the shop on fire, forcing it to shut down. Similar pressure tactics, including forced closures of businesses and public facilities, were reported throughout the state.
Another report highlighted how Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses were blocked by CITU supporters in cities like Kochi and Kollam. In the constituency of Transport Minister K.B. Ganesh Kumar, buses were halted, including those servicing Amrita Hospital. Long-distance routes from cities such as Bengaluru were also disrupted.
In Thiruvananthapuram district, several government teachers at Aruvikkara LPS School were locked inside a classroom by protestors and were rescued only after police intervention. At multiple locations, KSRTC buses were stopped, and passengers asked to disembark. Postal workers and other government staff were also confronted at workplaces across the state.
Kozhikode witnessed a vandalism incident where a private jeep offering free rides to hospital patients was attacked. At the district collectorate, only 20 out of 220 staff reported for duty.
Widespread shutdowns occurred in Wayanad, Malappuram, Kannur, and Kasaragod districts. At several locations, teachers who turned up for duty were threatened or had their vehicles damaged. In Guruvayur, strike supporters allegedly attacked a textile shop and a hotel. Although some establishments briefly reopened in the evening, protestors returned to close them again. The Guruvayur Devaswom Board stepped in to serve meals to thousands of devotees, offering much-needed relief.
One local supermarket on Pattikkad-Peechi Road was also attacked, and a television news crew documenting the incident was assaulted.
Rising Discontent with Authoritarian Tactics
The day’s events have fueled criticism of the Communists approach to enforcing the bandh, with many accusing the party and its affiliates of using fear and intimidation instead of democratic persuasion. While Kerala’s leftist leadership often champions free speech and expression, while their actions during the strike reveal a stark contradiction resorting to coercive tactics to silence dissent and enforce compliance.
This visible pushback from citizens, especially in urban and trade-centric communities, marks a growing weariness toward politically motivated shutdowns. Many residents are now openly prioritizing economic well-being and peaceful coexistence over rigid ideological loyalties.
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