Bharat Bandh: The Reservation Bachao Sangharsh Samiti has announced a nationwide strike, ‘Bharat Bandh,’ on August 21, 2024. The agitation finds strong support from SC/ST groups of Rajasthan. Agitation follows controversy over a recent Supreme Court ruling about the reservation matter of SC/ST. Authorities are actively preparing to manage the Bandh’s impact on that day and maintaining order for a smooth and controlled response to the agitation.

Police Prepare for Bharat Bandh

The law enforcement agencies are getting ready to face the Bandh. As per the report, UR Sahoo, Director General of Police in Rajasthan, said he had directed district Superintendents of Police to maintain order and coordinate with local organizations. ‘We have asked our officials to organize meetings with groups calling for the Bandh and market associations to ensure better cooperation,’ said Sahoo.

#WATCH | Bihar: Visuals from Jehanabad where Bharat Bandh supporters have blocked the NH 83 in Unta.

The ‘Reservation Bachao Sangharsh Samiti’ are observing a day-long Bharat Bandh today to protest the Supreme Court’s recent judgment on reservations. pic.twitter.com/vIdlGbxMbi

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— ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2024

Supreme Court Ruling Sparks Protest

The Supreme Court ruling that the ‘creamy layer’ be excluded from reservation for SCs/STs sent shockwaves across the nation and has led to this call for protest. The judgment mainly made it binding that no one caste within the SC category shall get a 100 percent quota and mooted the need to have accurate data on representation before a quota is decided for any SC caste. It has also fueled debates because, having come after a series of petitions that argued the benefits of SC and ST reservations have largely favored a few specific castes leaving others behind, a sub-quota system was proposed to address the disparities and then challenged by a 2004 decision allowing the classification of Scheduled Castes.

Also Read: Bharat Bandh On August 21: All You Need To Know About Nationwide Shutdown

In Jaipur, Police Commissioner Biju George Joseph has initiated discussions with the groups extending their support for the strike. Officials are on preventative measures for the avoidance of clashes or disorders during the protest.

Bharat Bandh: What’s Closed And Open

The Bharat Bandh has attracted the backing of numerous social and political organizations. The agitation is on the back of the judgment of the Supreme Court on reservations. Public transport and private offices are generally closed on such days, except for emergency services such as ambulances.

Western Uttar Pradesh is a very sensitive zone, making authorities to place the police on alert. The police are leaving no stone unturned to protect the public in light of the protests.

Parties Which Support Bharat Bandh

Several parties are in favor of the Bharat Bandh protest. Most significantly, some major Dalit organizations, including Bahujan Samaj Party leader Mayawati, Bhim Army Chief Chandrashekhar Azad, and Adivasi Party leader Mohan Lal Rot, are supporting the call. And not only party leaders, many Congress and other leaders have also come forward to support the agitation.

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