Bharat Bandh Tomorrow: Who’s Behind the Nationwide Protest on August 21

New Delhi :The Reservation Bachao Sangharsh Samiti has organized a nationwide Bharat Bandh on August 21 to contest the Supreme Court’s recent decision on SC/ST reservations. This ruling, issued on August 1, permits states to create sub-categories within Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) to prioritize those who are deemed to be in greater need of reservation benefits.

The decision has sparked considerable backlash from SC/ST communities and activists who argue that it undermines the effectiveness of reservation policies and demands its reversal.

To prepare for the Bharat Bandh, extensive meetings have been conducted by senior civil and police officials to ensure a coordinated response to prevent violence and maintain public order. Law enforcement agencies have been directed to heighten their presence in all districts, with specific instructions for Superintendents of Police (SPs) to oversee the enforcement of law and order during the protest.

In Rajasthan, SC/ST groups have explicitly endorsed the bandh, amplifying the movement’s reach and impact. Authorities, including divisional commissioners and district magistrates, have been instructed to manage the expected disruptions and safeguard public safety on the day of the protest.

The Bharat Bandh is intended to demonstrate significant opposition to the Supreme Court’s ruling and to advocate for its reversal. Protestors aim to highlight concerns about the potential dilution of reservation benefits and the broader implications for social equity.