Various Dalit organizations across the country have called for a ‘Bharat Bandh’ in protest against the Supreme Court’s decision on the creamy layer in Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes reservations.
The Supreme Court, while ruling on the creamy layer in SC-ST reservations, stated that all SC and ST castes and tribes are not the same, introducing a ‘quota within quota.’
What Will Remain Open?
Emergency services, such as hospitals and ambulances, will remain operational during the Bharat Bandh. No orders have yet been issued by any state government regarding the closure of banks and government offices. Therefore, it is expected that banks and government offices will remain open.
Authorities are taking extensive measures to ensure public safety during the protests. Public transport services may be affected by the Bharat Bandh, and private offices may be closed in some areas.
Most Affected States
The states likely to be most impacted by the strike include Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh.
Dalit organizations have garnered support from the Bahujan Samaj Party, Bhim Army Chief Chandrashekhar Azad, and Bharat Tribal Party’s Mohan Lat Roat. Additionally, leaders from some parties, including Congress, have expressed their support.