Discussion about the Bharat Bandh scheduled for Wednesday, August 21, 2024, is intensifying on social media platform X, with the hashtag ‘#21_August_Bharat_Bandh’ trending. As of now, 15,400 posts have been made using this hashtag.
Reason for Bharat Bandh
The Bharat Bandh has been called by the Reservation Bachao Sangharsh Samiti in response to a recent Supreme Court ruling on reservations for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST). On August 1, 2024, the Supreme Court’s Constitutional Bench allowed states to create sub-categories within SC and ST groups, aiming to prioritize those who “really need it.” This decision has triggered widespread debate and led to the call for a nationwide shutdown, as reported by Oneindia Hindi.
The primary goal of the bandh is to challenge and seek reversal of the Supreme Court’s decision, with support expected from various social and political groups. The protest seeks to draw attention to what the organizers view as an unjust ruling.
Preparations and Security Measures
In anticipation of potential unrest, top police officials have conducted a video conference to prepare for the bandh. The meeting, chaired by the Principal Secretary of Home and the Director General of Police (DGP), included all divisional commissioners, district magistrates, and senior police officers. Special precautions are being taken in Western Uttar Pradesh, a region identified as particularly sensitive, with heightened security measures in place to ensure public safety.
Impact on Services
Emergency services, including ambulances and hospitals, will remain operational during the bandh. However, public transportation is likely to be disrupted, and private offices may close, according to OneIndia Hindi. The campaign against excluding the “creamy layer” from reservations is gaining traction on social media, with Bahujan organizations joining the Bharat Bandh in protest.