Who Is Behind the Bharat Bandh?
The Reservation Bachao Sangharsh Samiti has called for a nationwide Bharat Bandh on August 21 to protest the Supreme Court’s recent ruling regarding SC/ST reservations. The ruling, issued on August 1, allows states to create sub-categories within the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), prioritizing those who are most in need of reservations. This decision has sparked considerable debate and opposition, particularly among SC/ST groups in Rajasthan, who have extended their support to the bandh.
Why Is the Bharat Bandh Being Organized?
The Bharat Bandh is a direct response to the Supreme Court’s ruling on the sub-categorization of SCs and STs. The Reservation Bachao Sangharsh Samiti and other supporting organizations view this decision as an unjust reconfiguration of reservation policies that could potentially disadvantage certain groups within the SC/ST communities. The primary objective of the bandh is to demand the reversal of this ruling, arguing that it undermines the original intent of reservation policies and could exacerbate inequalities within these communities.
Security Preparations for the Bharat Bandh
Given the potential for unrest during the nationwide protest, authorities have taken extensive security measures to ensure law and order. Police forces have been directed to increase their presence across all districts, with specific instructions given to Superintendents of Police (SPs) to maintain peace. Senior civil and police officials, including divisional commissioners, district magistrates, and senior police officers, have held meetings to assess and reinforce security preparations. These meetings, conducted via video conferencing, focused on coordinating efforts to prevent any violence during the bandh.
The Bharat Bandh is expected to garner significant support from various social and political organizations, highlighting the widespread discontent with the Supreme Court’s ruling. As the nation braces for this day-long protest, all eyes will be on how the situation unfolds and whether the demands of the protesters will prompt any reconsideration of the court’s decision.
(With inputs from agencies)
