Bharat Bandh August 21: Reason behind nationwide protests, what services will be affected and more

Bharat Bandh 2024, August 21: Authorities are on high alert to ensure public safety during the protests, with preparations in place to manage potential unrest.

Bharat Bandh Today, August 21: A group of Dalit and Adivasi organisations has called a nationwide strike on Wednesday

Bharat Bandh Today, August 21: A group of Dalit and Adivasi organisations has called a nationwide strike today, on August 21, 2024. (Express file photo)

Bharat Bandh August 21: On August 21, 2024, India will observe a nationwide Bharat Bandh called by the Reservation Bachao Sangharsh Samiti. It is in response to the Supreme Court’s latest judgement for the sub-classification of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).

The ruling to exclude the “creamy layer” from the SC/ST quota has sparked significant controversy and opposition; this has led to calls for protests across the country.

Sparking controversy and opposition, the group of Dalit and Adivasi organisations, with the Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) groups in Rajasthan, expressed their strong support for the nationwide shutdown and protests.

In anticipation of the bandh, law enforcement agencies across all districts have been instructed to increase their presence to ensure public safety and maintain order.

Superintendents of Police (SPs) have been tasked with overseeing the enforcement of law and order during the protests to prevent any potential disturbances. Here’s all you need to know.

Why there’s Bharat Bandh on August 21, 2024:

The Bharat Bandh has been organised by the Reservation Bachao Sangharsh Samiti in response to a Supreme Court ruling issued on August 1, 2024. This ruling allows individual states to create sub-categories within Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) to prioritise those most in need of reservations.

The protest seeks to challenge this decision and advocate for its reversal, emphasising the need to uphold the integrity of the existing reservation system, as the verdict, according to the outfit, threatens the constitutional rights of SCs and STs.

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Who all are backing Bharat Bandh on August 21:

The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Congress and the Rashtriya Janata Dal on Tuesday announced that they would extend support to the Bharat Bandh call given by various organizations on Wednesday in response to the Supreme Court’s recent verdict on Scheduled Caste (SC) reservations. Left parties also backed the call for the strike.

The Bahujan Samaj Party on Wednesday extended support to the day-long Bharat Bandh. The party also accused the BJP and the Congress of colluding to end reservation. It said these parties and others should understand the necessity of reservation and not play with it.

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav also backed the Bandh, noting that “public movements” put a check on “unbridled government”. The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister took to social media platform X to share his views on the issue.

Bharat Bandh 2024, August 21: What will remain open?

Emergency Services: Ambulances, hospitals, and medical facilities will continue to operate.
Police Services: Law enforcement will remain active to ensure public safety.
Pharmacies: Essential medications will be available as pharmacies will stay open.
Essential Services: Government offices, banks, schools, and colleges will function as usual, according to reports.