Sabarimala Pilgrims Exempted From 24-Hour National Strike, Travel Disruptions Still Likely
The 24-hour nationwide strike called by the Joint Trade Union Council against central government policies is expected to be equivalent to a statewide shutdown in Kerala. The strike will begin at midnight on Wednesday and continue until midnight on Thursday.
Essential services such as milk supply, newspapers, and hospitals have been exempted from the strike. Pilgrims traveling to Sabarimala and participants attending the Maramon Convention have also been excluded from the protest action.
Kerala University, MG University, and Calicut University have postponed the examinations that were scheduled for Thursday in view of the strike.
KSRTC workers’ unions and private bus operators have extended support to the strike. Taxi and auto-rickshaw workers will also participate, leading to major disruption in public transport services across the state. However, trade unions have clarified that private vehicles will not be blocked.
Industrial, commercial, and trade sectors are also expected to come to a complete standstill, according to union representatives. In connection with the strike, the state government has declared the day as dies non, meaning employees who participate in the strike will not be eligible for that day’s salary.
Strike organizers have said the shutdown will be complete in Kerala, affecting industrial, agricultural, commercial, and trade sectors. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha, farm worker unions, and several political parties including the CPI and CPM have expressed support for the strike.
The nationwide 24-hour strike may affect the travel plans of Sabarimala pilgrims, as public transport services across Kerala are expected to be widely disrupted. Although strike organizers have announced exemptions for Sabarimala pilgrims, reduced availability of buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws could still cause delays and inconvenience. Pilgrims are advised to plan their journeys in advance and check the availability of transport services before traveling.
