India is gearing up for a nationwide strike, dubbed ‘Bharat Bandh’, scheduled for August 21, 2024. The protest, organized by the Reservation Bachao Sangharsh Samiti, primarily comprises SC/ST groups, particularly from Rajasthan. It stems from a recent Supreme Court ruling that sparked controversy by excluding the ‘creamy layer’ from the SC/ST quota system.
The Supreme Court’s decision has ignited widespread discontent, prompting the call for the Bharat Bandh. Law enforcement agencies across the country are preparing for the strike, implementing measures to maintain order and ensure peaceful demonstrations. In Rajasthan, Director General of Police UR Sahoo has instructed district Superintendents of Police to engage with local organizations, including those supporting the strike, and market associations, to foster cooperation and minimize disruptions.
Police forces in Rajasthan have been instructed to increase deployment and coordinate with local SC/ST groups to ensure the protests remain peaceful. Similar proactive measures are being taken in other regions, with Jaipur Police Commissioner Biju George Joseph already initiating dialogues with groups supporting the strike.
This Bharat Bandh follows a string of recent protests in India, including nationwide hospital strikes against violence on healthcare workers and a local trade union strike in Bathinda, highlighting the simmering socio-political tensions across the country.
The strike is expected to garner support from various social and political organizations, aiming to voice their opposition to the Supreme Court’s verdict on reservations. While public transport and private offices are typically non-functional during such nationwide strikes, essential services like ambulances are expected to remain operational.
Authorities are particularly vigilant in Western Uttar Pradesh, considered a sensitive area, with police placed on high alert. Extensive measures are being implemented to safeguard the public during the protests, highlighting the significance of the strike and the potential for widespread disruption.
