Kerala Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar announced Tuesday that Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses will operate normally on Wednesday, despite a nationwide strike called by central trade unions. Speaking to reporters, Kumar stated that KSRTC received no formal strike notice from unions, asserting, “Our employees are content, and there’s no reason for them to join the agitation.” He cited a recent protest where only 6% of KSRTC workers participated, with 94% reporting for duty, signaling a “changing work culture.”

However, trade union sources contradicted Kumar, confirming that a strike notice was submitted and KSRTC workers will join the Bharat Bandh, protesting the central government’s “anti-worker, anti-farmer, and pro-corporate policies.” CPI(M) leader M A Baby backed the unions, criticizing Kumar’s remarks and urging dialogue with laborers, emphasizing the strike’s support from workers and farmers.

The 24-hour strike, backed by 10 central trade unions like INTUC and CITU, is expected to involve over 25 crore workers across sectors like banking, postal services, and construction, potentially disrupting public transport and services nationwide. In Kerala, where private bus operators also struck on Tuesday over separate demands, KSRTC stepped up with 700 additional services to ease commuter woes, particularly in Thiruvananthapuram, where it holds a near monopoly.

Also Read: Bharat Bandh: Over 25 Crore Workers to Strike on July 9, 2025, Against Anti-Worker Policies

As tensions rise, with unions accusing Kumar of downplaying their resolve, the strike’s impact on Kerala’s transport remains uncertain, with conflicting narratives fueling debate.

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