Bharat Bandh News Live Updates:
Police lathicharge protesters in Patna;
rail, roads affected
Aug 21, 2024, 14:00:23
Blog M.k.karikalsozhan Blog Reporter
LIVE
On August 21, a Bharat Bandh was organised by Dalit and Adivasi groups, including the National Confederation of Dalit and Adivasi Organisations (NACDAOR), as a direct response to a recent Supreme Court ruling. This ruling allows states to introduce sub-classifications within the Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) and implement a "creamy layer" concept.
While the ruling aims to prioritise those within these communities who are most in need, it has faced criticism for potentially undermining the foundational principles of India's reservation system and for fostering division within these groups. NACDAOR argues that the ruling threatens the constitutional rights of SCs, STs, and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and stands in contradiction to the Indira Sawhney case, which established the current reservation framework. The organisation demands that the government reject this ruling and instead pass a new parliamentary act to safeguard reservations, ideally by including these provisions in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution to protect them from judicial review.
In addition, NACDAOR is calling for the release of caste-based data on government employees and proposes the establishment of an Indian Judicial Service, with a mandate for 50% representation from SC, ST, and OBC communities in the higher judiciary.
Political parties like the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Congress, and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), along with left-leaning parties, have expressed their support for the bandh. In Rajasthan, the bandh has resulted in the closure of educational institutions across several districts, with authorities taking measures to maintain order and minimise disruptions. Although essential services, such as medical and emergency services, will continue, public transport and business activities are expected to face significant interruptions.
In response to the Bharat Bandh called by the Aarakshan Bachao Sangharsh Samiti, educational institutions and markets in various parts of Rajasthan remained closed on Wednesday. As a precaution, internet services were suspended from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in four districts: Bharatpur, Karauli, Sawai Madhopur, and Deeg-Kumher.
The bandh's impact was particularly noticeable in Jaipur, where markets were closed, and bus and taxi services were disrupted. Jaipur Police Commissioner Biju George Joseph reported that additional police forces had been deployed across the state capital, with strict instructions to prevent any disturbances. "Under no circumstances will disturbance or vandalism be tolerated. The police are closely monitoring all intersections and procession routes in the city, and any individuals disrupting the peace will face appropriate action," he added.
Several educational institutions, including Maharani College, Maharaja College, and Agrawal College, remained closed in light of the bandh. However, the bandh evoked a mixed response across Rajasthan, with essential services exempted and public transport operating normally in the morning. Despite this, shops and schools in some districts remained closed, and mobile internet services were suspended in Bharatpur as a result of the bandh call. In some areas, people faced inconveniences due to a reduced number of roadways buses.
To maintain law and order, the state government implemented extensive security measures across Rajasthan. Suresh Saini, general secretary of the Jaipur Vyapar Mahasangh, noted that market associations in the city voluntarily chose to keep shops closed to avoid inconvenience for both shopkeepers and customers due to the protests.
The SC ST Sanyukt Sangharsh Samiti organised a rally in Jaipur to protest the Supreme Court's August 1 ruling on the sub-classification of SCs. Members of the SC and ST communities gathered at Ram Niwas Garden and marched through various markets, including Chaura Rasta, Johari Bazar, Tripolia Bazar, and MI Road. Many other markets in areas such as Tonk Road, Bajaj Nagar, and Malviya Nagar were also closed, although some shops remained open.
The Bharat Bandh also led to partial disruptions to rail and road communications in Odisha on Wednesday. Despite the bandh, government offices, banks, businesses, and educational institutions continued to operate normally, according to police reports. The protesters halted trains at Bhubaneswar and Sambalpur stations, causing temporary delays. Road blockades were reported in several places, including Cuttack, Sambalpur, Bolangir, Malkangiri, Sundergarh, and Keonjhar.
Twenty-one organisations across the country participated in the Bharat Bandh, expressing their belief that the Supreme Court order undermines the fundamental principles of reservation.
In Rajasthan, in response to the bandh call, educational institutions in seven districts, including Jaipur, Alwar, Dausa, Sawai Madhopur, Deeg, Jaisalmer, and Bharatpur, remained closed on August 21. The bandh also led to the postponement of Kota University examinations.
The bandh has garnered support from the Congress party and the Scheduled Caste-Tribe Sanyukt Sangharsh Samiti. Tika Ram Jully, the Leader of the Opposition, accused the BJP of being against reservation, stating, "Their mentality is to weaken the Constitution as well as to weaken the reservation."
The Aarakshan Bachao Sangharsh Samiti organised 25 units in Jaipur to ensure the success of the bandh. These units appealed to traders to close their shops, and a rally was held by bandh supporters. Anil Gothwal, Convener of the Scheduled Caste-Sanyukt Sangharsh Samiti, emphasised that the bandh would be peaceful and successful, stating, "We do not support any violence."
However, BJP MLA Kirodi Lal Meena expressed a different opinion, claiming that the Bharat Bandh is being politicised. He said, "There is no need for Bharat Bandh. We stand with the Supreme Court verdict."
In Jharkhand, political parties such as the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Congress, and the Rashtriya Janata Dal announced their support for the Bharat Bandh called by various organisations on Wednesday. The nationwide strike is in response to the Supreme Court's recent verdict on SC reservations. Left parties have also backed the strike.
JMM instructed its leaders, district presidents, secretaries, and district coordinators to actively participate in the 14-hour nationwide strike. Vinod Kumar Pandey, JMM general secretary, stated, "The recent verdict by the Supreme Court on the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe reservations would prove to be an obstacle in the path of upliftment and strengthening of the SC/ST classes."
Kailash Yadav, RJD state general secretary and media in-charge, confirmed that the party had decided to support and participate in the day-long strike. Similarly, Rakesh Sinha, the state Congress spokesperson, said that the party had also extended its support to the bandh call.
The Bharat Bandh was called by Dalit and Adivasi organisations demanding stronger representation and protection for marginalised communities. NACDAOR presented a series of demands, stressing the need for justice and fairness for SCs, STs, and OBCs. The organisation has urged Dalits, Adivasis, and OBCs to engage in a non-violent protest, emphasising the importance of united efforts to secure their demands for justice and equality.
NACDAOR expressed concerns that the recent judgement undermines the earlier ruling of a nine-judge bench in the landmark Indira Sawhney case, which serves as the foundation of India's reservation system. They have called upon the government to dismiss this judgment, arguing that it threatens the constitutional rights of SCs and STs.
NACDAOR is also advocating for the implementation of a new Act of Parliament on reservations for SCs, STs, and OBCs, to be protected by inclusion in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution. This step, they argue, will safeguard these provisions from judicial intervention and promote social harmony. The organisation has also called for the prompt release of caste-based data on SC/ST/OBC employees in government services to ensure accurate representation. Additionally, they propose the creation of an Indian Judicial Service to appoint judicial officers and judges from all segments of society, with the goal of achieving 50% representation from SC, ST, and OBC categories in the higher judiciary.
