Bharat Bandh 2024: Why is a nationwide protest being held today? Who called it, and other details

Bharat Bandh today: A nationwide strike, known as "Bharat Bandh," is set to take place on August 21, 2024, in response to a recent Supreme Court ruling on SC/ST reservations. The Reservation Bachao Sangharsh Samiti has called for this protest, which is supported by SC/ST groups mainly from Rajasthan.

Law enforcement agencies are preparing to deal with the Bandh. Rajasthan's Director General of Police, UR Sahoo, has instructed district Superintendents of Police to maintain order and engage with local organisations. Sahoo stated, “We have asked our officials to organise meetings with groups calling for the bandhand with market associations to facilitate better cooperation,” The Times of India reported.

The Supreme Court's decision to exclude the "creamy layer" from SC/ST quota has sparked controversy and led to this call for protest. Police forces across Rajasthan have been directed to increase deployment and coordinate with local SC/ST outfits to ensure peaceful demonstrations, according to the report.

In Jaipur, Police Commissioner Biju George Joseph has already initiated dialogue with groups supporting the strike. The authorities are taking proactive measures to prevent any potential conflicts or disruptions during the protest.

This Bharat Bandh comes after similar protests recently in India, including nationwide hospital strikes against violence on healthcare workers and a local trade union stir in Bathinda, highlighting simmering socio-political tensions across the country, as per the TOI report.

The Bharat Bandh is expected to get the backing of various social and political organisations. The purpose of the protest is to protest the verdict on reservations.

While public transport and private offices are usually not functional on such days, emergency services such as ambulances would remain operational.

Western Uttar Pradesh is viewed as a particularly sensitive area, prompting authorities to place the police on high alert. Officials are implementing extensive measures to safeguard the public during the protests.