Nationwide strikes across India – in pictures

  • Roads were blocked in Kolkata, eastern India, on Monday, the first of two days of strike action across the country. EPA
    Roads were blocked in Kolkata, eastern India, on Monday, the first of two days of strike action across the country. EPA
  • The strike called by trade unions is a protest against the privatisation of public sector banks, and the Banking Laws Amendment Bill passed last year. EPA
    The strike called by trade unions is a protest against the privatisation of public sector banks, and the Banking Laws Amendment Bill passed last year. EPA
  • The call for nationwide industrial action elicited 'a good response' from workers, trade union officials said. EPA
    The call for nationwide industrial action elicited 'a good response' from workers, trade union officials said. EPA
  • Protesters take part in the general strike against the policies of the central government, in Ahmedabad. AFP
    Protesters take part in the general strike against the policies of the central government, in Ahmedabad. AFP
  • The unions are protesting against what they call Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 'anti-people; policies. EPA
    The unions are protesting against what they call Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 'anti-people; policies. EPA
  • Workers from state-run railways, roads, power stations, coal mining, steel production, oil and telecoms reportedly joined the strike. AFP
    Workers from state-run railways, roads, power stations, coal mining, steel production, oil and telecoms reportedly joined the strike. AFP
  • Protesters in Ahmedabad said Mr Modi’s policies were affecting 'workers, farmers and the general public' of India. AFP
    Protesters in Ahmedabad said Mr Modi’s policies were affecting 'workers, farmers and the general public' of India. AFP
  • A woman is stuck at a bus terminal in Chennai after public buses were suspended because of the nationwide strike. AFP
    A woman is stuck at a bus terminal in Chennai after public buses were suspended because of the nationwide strike. AFP
  • Buses are not leaving the station in Chennai as drivers and other workers joined the strike. AFP
    Buses are not leaving the station in Chennai as drivers and other workers joined the strike. AFP
  • A passenger train is blocked on the line in Kolkata, India. Reuters
    A passenger train is blocked on the line in Kolkata, India. Reuters
  • An almost deserted Punjab National Bank branch. EPA
    An almost deserted Punjab National Bank branch. EPA
  • Indian bank employees protest. EPA
    Indian bank employees protest. EPA
  • Employees of state-run banks stayed away from work over plans to privatise state-owned financial institutions that are facing an increased burden of failed loans. EPA
    Employees of state-run banks stayed away from work over plans to privatise state-owned financial institutions that are facing an increased burden of failed loans. EPA
  • Activists take part in a rally in Chennai. AFP
    Activists take part in a rally in Chennai. AFP
  • Supporters of the Left Front, Indian National Congress and various trade unions march in Kolkata in support of the two-day strike. Their banner in reads, 'Save the country, save the people of the country, support the all-India strike'. AP Photo
    Supporters of the Left Front, Indian National Congress and various trade unions march in Kolkata in support of the two-day strike. Their banner in reads, 'Save the country, save the people of the country, support the all-India strike'. AP Photo
  • Commuters watch after their train was blocked by activists at a railway station in Kolkata. AFP
    Commuters watch after their train was blocked by activists at a railway station in Kolkata. AFP