The Reservation Bachao Sangharsh Samiti (RBSS) declared a Bharat Bandh on August 21, 2024, to protest the Supreme Court’s decision regarding reservations for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST). The decision permits the creation of subcategories within these groups, potentially reducing benefits for the most marginalized people under reservation policies.
The Supreme Court’s verdict, which excludes the “creamy layer” from SC/ST quotas, sparked controversy, leading to widespread calls for protests. Police across Rajasthan increased deployment and coordinated with local SC/ST groups to maintain peaceful demonstrations.
This Bharat Bandh follows recent protests across India, including strikes by healthcare workers and local trade union movements, highlighting ongoing socio-political tensions.
Impact of Bharat Bandh
Police Lathi-Charge in Patna During Bharat Bandh
On Wednesday, police in Patna used batons to disperse protesters affiliated with the Bhim Army at Dak Bungalow Chowk. The protesters carried banners and flags to voice their dissent. Police resorted to a lathi charge and used water cannons to control the large crowd.
Bihar: The police conducted a heavy lathi charge on Dak Bunglow in Patna after bandh protesters broke through the barricades and entered the area pic.twitter.com/3U4SVwZSHZ
— IANS (@ians_india) August 21, 2024
In Purnea, Rajesh Ranjan, popularly known as Pappu Yadav, supported the protests, calling for the inclusion of the reservation system in the 9th Schedule of the Indian Constitution for stronger protection.
Protests also occurred in other districts of Bihar, including Darbhanga, Hajipur, Jehanabad, and Nawada. The Aarakshan Bachao Sangharsh Samiti organized the nationwide strike in response to the Supreme Court’s “quota within quota” ruling.
Internet Suspended, Schools and Colleges Closed in Rajasthan
In response to the Bharat Bandh, several areas of Rajasthan saw closures of educational institutions and markets. Authorities suspended internet services from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Bharatpur, Karauli, Sawai Madhopur, and Deeg-Kumher districts.
Jaipur also felt the impact, with markets shut down and transportation services disrupted. Jaipur Police Commissioner Biju George Joseph stated that additional forces had been deployed in the city and warned of strict action against disturbances. He emphasized that any vandalism or disruptions would not be tolerated.
Several educational institutions, including Maharani College, Maharaja College, and Agrawal College, remained closed for the day.
Political Support for the Strike
The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Congress, Bahujan Samaj Party, and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) extended support for the Bharat Bandh. These parties opposed the Supreme Court’s ruling on SC/ST reservations, describing it as detrimental to marginalized communities.
JMM directed its leaders and district coordinators to actively participate in the strike. JMM General Secretary Vinod Kumar Pandey described the Supreme Court’s decision as a significant obstacle to the empowerment of SC/ST groups. Similarly, RJD and Congress leaders confirmed their support and participation in the strike.
The Bharat Bandh was organized by Dalit and Adivasi organizations demanding stronger representation and protection for marginalized communities.
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