Ernakulam, July 9 -- Normal life was hit in Kerala's Ernakulam district on Wednesday with public transport and commercial establishments shut in the nationwide 'Bharat Bandh' by the combine of trade unions.

Supporters of the strike blocked Kerala State Road Transport Corporation buses from Ernakulam to Kozhikode. Many travellers were seen waiting at the bus stops, unable to get buses.

Left parties' trade unions are staging a 'Bharat Bandh', alleging that the central government is pushing economic reforms that weaken workers' rights. 10 Central trade unions have called the Bandh.

Under the 'Bandh', sectors such as state-run public transport, government offices, public sector units, banking and insurance services, postal operations, coal...