Let’s be honest. You probably checked your phone this morning hoping to see a message from HR saying, “Office is closed due to Bharat Bandh.” I get it. We all love a surprise holiday.
But before you turn off your alarm for Thursday, February 12, 2026, let’s look at the reality.
This isn’t your average “political party flexing muscle” bandh. This is a massive, coordinated strike involving the “Big Three” of Indian disruption: Farmers (SKM), Trade Unions, and Bank Employees. When these three get together, things usually grind to a halt—or at least, your ATM transaction does.
If you are confused between “Fake WhatsApp News” and “Real News,” you are in the right place. Here is the no-nonsense guide to surviving the Bharat Bandh on Feb 12, 2026.
The Core Analysis: Why Are They Angry Now?
You might be thinking, “Didn’t we just have a protest last month?” Yes, but this one is different.
In my experience analyzing Indian protests for two decades, usually, you see either a “Farmer Protest” OR a “Trade Union Strike.” Rarely do they synchronize perfectly. Tomorrow, they are hitting the streets together.
The Trigger? It’s a double whammy:
- The “Labour Codes” Fear: The unions claim the 4 new Labour Codes make “hiring and firing” too easy for companies. They want them scrapped.
- The India-US Trade Deal: This is the new spicy angle. Farmers are terrified that this deal (which reportedly lowers tariffs) will flood India with cheap American dairy and soy products, effectively killing local agriculture.
So, it’s not just about wages; it’s about existential anxiety. And to top it off, they are planning to burn effigies of leaders across villages. It’s going to be loud.
The Survival Guide: What’s Open, What’s Closed?
Don’t panic-buy milk just yet. The impact of a Bharat Bandh is never uniform. It’s highly geography-dependent.
The Banking Sector (High Impact)
If you have to visit a PSU Bank branch (like SBI, PNB, or BoB) tomorrow, don’t.
- The Reality: The All India Bank Employees’ Association (AIBEA) is joining the strike.
- What Will Fail: Cheque clearances, cash deposits, and passbook updates at branches.
- What Works: ATMs (until cash runs out), UPI, and Net Banking.
Schools and Colleges (Confusing Impact)
This is the million-dollar question.
- Kerala, Odisha, & Assam: High chance of schools being shut. These states take bandhs very seriously.
- Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore: Unlikely to have a blanket closure unless the local transport unions join in.
- Pro Tip: Do not rely on news channels. Check your school’s official WhatsApp group. If the bus drivers strike, the school shuts. It’s that simple.
Transport (Variable Impact)
- Railways: Trains usually run, but expect “Rail Roko” (blockades) in Punjab and Haryana.
- Roads: State buses (KSRTC, etc.) might stay off roads in Left-ruled or strong union states.
- Flights: Unaffected. But getting to the airport might be a headache due to roadblocks.
Cheat Sheet: The “Will It Affect Me?” Table
Here is a quick breakdown so you can plan your Thursday.
| Service | Impact Level | Status Prediction |
| PSU Banks | 🔴 High | Branches likely empty; staff protesting. |
| Private Banks | 🟡 Medium | Open, but operations might be slow. |
| Schools | 🟡 Medium | Closed in KL, OD, AS; Open elsewhere. |
| Hospitals | 🟢 Low | Emergency services are EXEMPT. |
| Public Transport | 🔴 High | Buses affected; Metros usually run normal. |
| Markets | 🟡 Medium | Closed in strongholds; Open in malls. |
Insider Tips: How to “Hack” The Bandh
Most people panic during a Bandh. Smart people prepare. Here are three tips I’ve learned from years of covering these events:
- The “Cash Cushion” Rule: Even though digital payments work, ATMs run dry fast on strike days because people panic-withdraw. Go to an ATM tonight (Feb 11). Keep ₹2,000 in cash handy just in case the internet gets throttled in a protest zone.
- Avoid the “Chakka Jam” Zones: If you live in NCR (Delhi-Gurgaon-Noida), avoid the borders (Singhu, Tikri, Ghazipur). Farmers often use these points to block traffic. Use the Metro—it is the safest and most reliable mode of transport during a bandh.
- The “Medical” Loophole: If you get stopped by protesters while driving, turn on your hazard lights and say you are going to a hospital. Protesters almost always let medical emergencies pass. Don’t abuse this, but use it if you are genuinely stuck and unsafe.
FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
Q1: Is tomorrow (Feb 12) an official bank holiday? No. The RBI has not declared it a holiday. Banks are technically “open,” but because the staff is on strike, no work will get done. It’s a “functional” holiday, not an official one.
Q2: Will internet services be suspended? Unlikely nationwide. However, local administration in sensitive districts (especially in Punjab or Haryana) might suspend mobile internet if protests get violent.
Q3: Are private offices closed? Most private companies (IT, Corporate) do not close for Bharat Bandh. However, if you are in a high-impact state like Kerala, your office might switch to “Work From Home” for the day.
Q4: Will Amazon/Zomato deliver? In city centers, yes. In outskirts or protest-heavy areas, expect delays. Delivery riders often avoid areas where mobs gather to protect their vehicles.
Q5: Is this protest against the US President? In part, yes. The BKU (Bharatiya Kisan Union) has explicitly stated they will burn effigies of US President Donald Trump and PM Modi to oppose the new trade/import policies.
The Final Verdict
So, is India shutting down? No. Is it going to be a messy, noisy, and inconvenient Thursday? Yes.
If you can work from home, do it. If you have to go out, stick to the Metro. And if you are a student hoping for a holiday—keep your fingers crossed, but do your homework just in case.
Stay safe, stay informed, and don’t believe every forward you get tonight!
