The Reservation Bachao Sangharsh Samiti has announced a Bharat Bandh on August 21, protesting the Supreme Court's recent ruling on SC/ST reservations. Several groups, particularly in Rajasthan, have expressed their support for the bandh.
Law enforcement agencies are taking precautions to prevent disruptions. Police deployment will be increased across districts, according to a report by The Times of India. DGP UR Sahoo stated that local SPs have been instructed to maintain law and order. "We have directed our officials to hold meetings with both the groups calling for the bandh and market associations to facilitate smoother coordination," he said.
The Bharat Bandh comes in response to the Supreme Court's ruling, which allows states to create sub-categories within the SC/ST communities. The ruling emphasized prioritizing those who are most in need of reservation benefits. This decision has triggered widespread debate, with protesters demanding its reversal, claiming it undermines the integrity of the reservation system.
The bandh is expected to receive backing from various social and political organizations. The protesters argue that the court’s decision is unjust and threatens the rights of marginalized communities.
In anticipation of potential unrest, senior police officials have conducted video conferences to coordinate security measures. Divisional commissioners, district magistrates, and senior police officers participated in these discussions. Western Uttar Pradesh, deemed a particularly sensitive region, is on high alert with extensive measures being taken to ensure public safety during the protests.
Although public transport and private offices may be disrupted during the bandh, emergency services like ambulances are expected to remain operational.