Bharat Bandh 2024 Live Updates:
Today’s nationwide strike, Bharat Bandh, has significantly impacted various regions across India, as protests against the Supreme Court’s recent decision on SC/ST reservations escalate. On August 21, transportation services have been notably disrupted, with rail and road networks facing interruptions in states such as Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, and others. In Rajasthan, Kerala, and Madhya Pradesh, educational institutions, marketplaces, and commercial establishments have closed their doors in solidarity with the shutdown.
The streets in numerous areas have been eerily quiet, as many roads are left empty due to the widespread participation in the strike. In Patna, Bihar, tensions escalated when police resorted to lathi charge to disperse protestors. Prominent political figures, including Samajwadi Party’s Akhilesh Yadav, BSP’s Mayawati, and various Congress leaders, have voiced their support for the Bharat Bandh, amplifying the movement against the Supreme Court’s ruling regarding the exclusion of the “creamy layer” from the SC/ST reservation benefits.
Bharat Bandh Protests Supreme Court’s Reservation Decision
New Delhi: A nationwide strike, known as Bharat Bandh, was observed today in response to a controversial Supreme Court ruling on reservations for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in state government jobs and educational institutions. The strike was supported by numerous Dalit and Adivasi organizations, including the Reservation Bachao Sangharsh Samiti, as well as several political parties like Bihar’s Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Madhya Pradesh’s Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), and the Congress, which leads the opposition INDIA bloc. The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, various Left parties, and the Congress, which heads the INDIA coalition (including JMM and RJD), also backed the protest.
Union Minister Chirag Paswan, whose party, the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), is an ally of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP, extended “moral support” to the protesters. He highlighted a Union Cabinet decision affirming that reservation provisions should remain as originally established by Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, asserting there should be no modifications.
Protests and Clashes Across States
In Patna, Bihar, the protests turned violent as clashes erupted between demonstrators and police. A video shared on X by ANI depicted police using lathis (batons) to disperse protesters who had blocked major roads and railways. Ashok Kumar Singh, Deputy Superintendent of Police, claimed that the protesters had disrupted law and order, forcing police to use mild force to restore order. This move was criticized by RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, who accused the Bihar government of using excessive force against Dalits while being lenient towards criminals.
The disruptions were widespread, affecting public transport and causing significant delays for train services, including the Darbhanga-New Delhi Sampark Kranti Superfast Express. Protesters in Jehanabad obstructed National Highway 83, a vital route connecting Patna to Gaya, severely affecting travel and daily life. Many private schools in Patna were closed, and those that remained open struggled with suspended bus services.
Regional Reactions
In Uttar Pradesh, the situation was closely monitored, with heavy police deployment in Noida and other areas. UP’s top cop, Prashant Kumar, assured that law and order were maintained and no serious incidents had been reported.
In Jharkhand, protesters burned tires as a symbolic act of anger against the Supreme Court’s decision. In Rajasthan, educational institutions across seven districts, including Jaipur and Alwar, were closed, and exams in Kota were postponed. Tika Ram Jully, the Congress leader and Rajasthan’s Leader of the Opposition, accused the BJP of attempting to undermine the reservation system.
In Madhya Pradesh, security measures included drone surveillance in Gwalior, where a rally was scheduled. Senior police officer Dharmaveer Singh stated that while protests were expected, markets and shops were not meant to be forcibly closed. Any attempts to do so would be met with legal action.
Impact and Disparities
Contrary to the widespread disruptions elsewhere, Assam remained largely unaffected by the Bharat Bandh. Schools, offices, and businesses operated normally, and transportation services were uninterrupted.
Background of the Protest
The Bharat Bandh is primarily a reaction to a Supreme Court ruling issued on August 1, where a seven-judge bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud ruled by a 6:1 majority that states could implement sub-classifications within SCs and STs. This decision allows for smaller quotas within larger reservation categories to better support the most disadvantaged segments of these groups. The court acknowledged the social diversity within the SC community as a basis for this decision.
The National Confederation of Dalit and Adivasi Organisations (NACDAOR) and other protesters argue that this ruling threatens the constitutional rights of SCs and STs. They demand a legislative amendment to guarantee reservations for SCs, STs, and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) by including these provisions in the Ninth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, a move they believe would better safeguard these groups’ rights.
The ongoing Bharat Bandh reflects deep-seated concerns over the potential impact of the Supreme Court’s decision on reservation policies and the broader implications for social justice in India.
Why is Bharat Bandh Today?
Today, August 21, has been marked by a nationwide strike known as Bharat Bandh, organized by various organizations and groups across India. This widespread protest is a response to a recent Supreme Court decision that removes the “creamy layer” from the benefits of the Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) quota system. The “creamy layer” refers to the more economically advantaged individuals within these communities who, according to the Court’s ruling, will no longer be eligible for the reserved quotas intended to assist the economically disadvantaged members. This judicial pronouncement has stirred significant controversy and dissatisfaction, leading to today’s coordinated nationwide shutdown as a form of protest against the ruling.