Bharat Bandh 2024: The Reservation Bachao Sangharsh Samiti has announced a countrywide strike, ‘Bharat Bandh,’ on August 21, 2024, in protest against the recent judgment by the apex court regarding the reservation system for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. This judgment has invited vehement criticism from various quarters and caused unprecedented unrest, especially in SC/ST groups in the state of Rajasthan who, subsequently, have become the most prominent supporters of the agitation.
Creamy Layer’ Excluded from SC/ST Reservation Benefits
The Supreme Court judgment excluding the ‘creamy layer’ from reservation benefits for SCs and STs has sent shockwaves throughout the country and has evoked strong reactions. The ruling laid down that no SC caste should get a 100 percent quota, and correct data on representation must be available before deciding quotas for any SC caste. The verdict came after a string of petitions contended that the benefits of SC/ST reservations had been cornered by a few castes and relegated many others to the periphery. This led to the sub-quota system to redress such inequalities, which was challenged by the 2004 decision allowing for categorization of Scheduled Castes.
Preparations Underway for Bharat Bandh’s Potential Repercussions
Police departments go on high alert, prepare to deal with the possible repercussions of the Bharat Bandh. “We have asked our officials to organize meetings with groups calling for the Bandh and market associations so that there is better cooperation,” stated UR Sahoo, Director General of Police in Rajasthan, while directing district Superintendents of Police to maintain order and coordinate with local organizations. His directive comes to ensure the day goes by smoothly, at least without major disruptions.
Police Commissioner Biju George Joseph has been meeting and having discussions with various groups who have declared their support to the strike in Jaipur. Elaborate precautionary measures have been taken to keep at bay any possible clashes or disorders during the protest. Peace and order would be maintained throughout the day.
District Collector and Magistrate Dr. Amit Yadav has said that in view of Bharat Bandh, teaching work will remain closed in all government and non-government schools and colleges and internet service will remain closed from 9 am to 6 pm. Administrative and other work will remain as usual. No officer will leave the headquarters without prior permission.
Akhilesh Yadav Endorses Bharat Bandh
Chief of the Samajwadi Party Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday endorsed the ‘Bharat Bandh’, which was called in opposition to the Supreme Court’s ruling permitting a creamy layer to exist inside the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe reservation categories. According to him, the widespread push to preserve reservations is a good initiative that would raise awareness among the oppressed and underprivileged.
He called the widespread drive to preserve reservations a commendable endeavor. It will instill a new awareness among the oppressed and underprivileged and demonstrate the people’s might in the face of any attempt to tamper with reservations. Agitation that is nonviolent is a democratic right.
Delhi Unaffected by Bharat Bandh
Delhi will not be affected by the statewide Bharat Bandh that has been declared by a number of organizations today and is buzzing on social media. Over a hundred market organizations, including those at Kashmiri Gate, Chandni Chowk, Khari Baoli, Naya Bazar, Chawri Bazar, Sadar Bazar, Karol Bagh, Kamala Nagar, Connaught Place, Lajpat Nagar, and Sarojini Nagar, have been consulted about the issue.
Mayawati Tweeted, “BSP supports Bharat Bandh because there is anger and resentment against the Supreme Court’s decision regarding sub-classification of SC/ST and creamy layer in them on 1 August 2024 due to the conspiracy against reservation by parties like BJP and Congress and their collusion to make it ineffective and finally end it.”
Major Dalit and Political Organizations Back the Strike
The Bharat Bandh call has been supported by a wide spectrum of social and political organizations. Indeed, major Dalit outfits, including the Bahujan Samaj Party led by Mayawati, the Bhim Army led by Chandrashekhar Azad, and the Adivasi Party led by Mohan Lal Rot, have thrown their weight behind the strike. Several leaders from other political parties, including the Congress, too, have come out to voice their support for the agitation, underlining the widespread discontent with the judgment of the Supreme Court.
In especially sensitive areas, like Western Uttar Pradesh, the police have been put on high alert to take care of the safety of the public during protests. Public transport and private offices are likely to be closed off on the day of the Bandh; only emergency services like ambulances will function. With the date drawing closer, authorities and organizations alike are preparing for what promises to be a major pan-India event, underscoring deep-seated tensions over the reservation issue in India.