Bharat Bandh: India Comes to a Stop Over SC/ST Reservation Ruling; SDM in Bihar lathi-charged by police- Dzire News
Bharat Bandh: India Comes to a Stop Over SC/ST Reservation Ruling; SDM in Bihar lathi-charged by police- Dzire News
Dzire News New Delhi– On August 21, 2024, India experienced a major shutdown as protests arises across several states. This Bharat Bandh was a response to the Supreme Court’s recent decision on SC/ST reservations, sparking widespread anger and concern. The shutdown affected daily life in many regions, with railway services, roads, schools, and markets all impacted. Various political leaders and organizations joined forces to oppose the ruling, making this one of the most notable protests in recent times.
Several organisations and groups have called for a Bharat Bandh on Wednesday, August 21. The strike is to oppose the Supreme Court’s ruling to eliminate the “creamy layer” from the SC/ST quota. The move has sparked controversy, leading to the Bharat Bandh on Wednesday.
The Bharat Bandh was called to protest the Supreme Court’s decision regarding reservations for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST). The ruling, which many believe weakened the rights of these communities, led to widespread anger. In response, various groups organized a nationwide shutdown, demanding that the government take action to protect the reservation system.
The impact of the Bharat Bandh was felt across multiple states. In Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, Rajasthan, Kerala, and Madhya Pradesh, the protestors blocked roads and disrupted railway services. Schools, markets, and shops remained closed, especially in the towns and cities most affected by the strike. In Bihar’s capital, Patna, the situation became tense as police clashed with protestors, resulting in lathi charges to control the crowd.
During the protest, when the police used lathi charge to control the crowd, a police officer accidentally hit Patna SDM Shrikant Kundalik Khandekar. Shrikant Khandekar is a 2020 batch IAS officer. He was appointed as an Assistant Collector (Under Training). After completing his training, his first posting was as SDM in Patna. Originally, he is from Solapur, Maharashtra. Shrikant Khandekar has a degree in Agricultural Engineering from Dapoli Agricultural University. He cleared the UPSC exam on his first attempt and secured 33rd rank in the country.
The Bharat Bandh saw participation from various political parties, social organizations, and community groups. Notably, leaders like Akhilesh Yadav from the Samajwadi Party, Mayawati from the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), and several Congress leaders publicly supported the shutdown. Their involvement added remarkable weight to the protest, drawing more attention to the demands of the protestors.
The primary reason for the Bharat Bandh was to protest the Supreme Court’s decision regarding SC/ST reservations. Many believe that the ruling could weaken the reservation system, which has been a important tool for promoting social equality in India. The protesters argued that the decision could harm the progress made by the SC/ST communities over the years. By calling for a nationwide shutdown, they hoped to pressure the government to challenge or reconsider the ruling.
The day began with roads and railway tracks being blocked in various parts of Odisha, Jharkhand, and Bihar. Protesters, carrying banners and shouting slogans, demanded justice for the SC/ST communities. In Rajasthan, Kerala, and Madhya Pradesh, schools and markets were shut down as a show of unity. Streets that are usually full of lively activity remained quiet as people stayed indoors, either out of support for the protest or fear of violence.
In Bihar’s Patna, the situation grew tense as police tried to disperse the large crowd of protesters. When the demonstrators refused to move, the police resorted to lathi charges, leading to a chaotic situation. Several people were injured in the clash, further rising tensions.
The involvement of major political figures gave the Bharat Bandh additional momentum. Akhilesh Yadav, Mayawati, and Congress leaders expressed their support for the protest, criticize the Supreme Court’s decision. Their participation sent a strong message to the government and the judiciary, highlighting the deep-rooted concerns about the future of the reservation system.
The Bharat Bandh disrupted daily life across several states. In Odisha, train services were stopped,leaving many passengers in difficulties. Roads in Jharkhand and Bihar were blocked, causing long traffic jams and delaying transport. In Rajasthan, Kerala, and Madhya Pradesh, the closure of schools and markets left many people unable to go about their usual activities. The abandoned streets and silent markets were a obvious reminder of the protest’s widespread impact.
The Bharat Bandh is part of a great struggle over the issue of reservations in India. For decades, the reservation system has been a key element in addressing social inequalities, providing SC/ST communities with opportunities in education, employment, and politics. However, the system has also been a source of controversy, with debates over its fairness and effectiveness.
The Supreme Court’s recent ruling has brought these issues back into the spotlight, raising fears that the progress made by SC/ST communities could be reversed. The Bharat Bandh is not just a protest against a single court decision; it is a call to defend a system that many believe is essential for social justice in India.
The Bharat Bandh of August 21, 2024, was a important event that brought the nation to a stop. The widespread protests and disturbance reflected deep concerns about the future of the reservation system and the rights of SC/ST communities. As political leaders and ordinary citizens came together to oppose the Supreme Court’s ruling, the message was clear: the fight for social equality is far from over. This event serves as a reminder of the power of collective action and the ongoing struggle for justice in India.
Sanjeev Sharma
Editor In Chief
Alisha Shahid
Asstt. Sub Editor