Bharat Bandh Protests Scheduled Caste Reservations

A nationwide Bharat Bandh is scheduled for August 21, 2024, organized by various Dalit and Adivasi groups in response to a Supreme Court ruling that allows sub-classification within the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes reservation categories. The Madhya Pradesh home department has instructed local authorities to maintain law and order during this protest, which is supported by political parties including the Congress, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, and the Samajwadi Party. Leaders like Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati have expressed their support, emphasizing the movement as a necessary check against government actions that undermine constitutional rights. The Supreme Court's decision has faced backlash for potentially compromising the foundational principles of reservation, a sentiment echoed by many organizations involved in the protest. The call for the Bharat Bandh is also reinforced by concerns over the introduction of a 'creamy layer' within SC and ST quotas, similar to the OBC category. Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh has publicly urged cooperation for the Bharat Bandh, highlighting widespread dissatisfaction among marginalized communities.