Today, August 21, the Bharat Bandh has significantly impacted railway and road services across Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, and other states. Schools, markets, and shops remain closed in various regions including Rajasthan, Kerala, and Madhya Pradesh. Major roads are largely empty as numerous groups and organizations participate in the strike to protest the recent Supreme Court ruling regarding SC/ST reservations.
In Patna, Bihar, police have resorted to lathicharge to disperse protesters. Prominent political figures such as Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav, BSP leader Mayawati, and several Congress leaders have voiced their support for today’s Bharat Bandh.
Reason for Bharat Bandh Today
The Bharat Bandh on August 21 has been called in response to a recent Supreme Court ruling that excludes the “creamy layer” from SC/ST quotas. This decision has triggered widespread controversy, leading to today’s nationwide strike.
Supreme Court Ruling on SC/ST Quota System
On August 1, the Supreme Court authorized states to sub-classify SCs and STs when assessing their representation. The Court emphasized that such sub-classification should be based on “quantifiable and demonstrable data” regarding backwardness and representation in government jobs, rather than being influenced by “whims” or “political expediency.”
The ruling, delivered by a seven-judge bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, was passed by a majority of 6:1. It overturned the previous EV Chinnaiah judgment, which had deemed sub-classification within SC/STs as impermissible, arguing that SC/STs should be considered a homogeneous group.
