Bharat Bandh intensifies: Darbhanga-Delhi Bihar Sampark Express train stopped by protesters

The Supreme Court, in a 6:1 majority ruling, upheld the permissibility of sub-classification within SC and ST reservation categories. Following which the ‘Bharat Bandh’ has been called against the verdict which has ignited protests by the supporters by blocking roads and chanting slogans.

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Bharat Bandh Protest (ANI/X)

Update: According to the recent updates, the protestors have stopped the Darbhanga-Delhi Bihar Sampark Express train at the Darbhanga railway station.

 

 


The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and Samajwadi Party (SP) have extended their support to the Bharat Bandh called today in protest against the Supreme Court's ruling on the sub-classification of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) within reservation categories. The Supreme Court's landmark decision, delivered on August 1, has sparked widespread discontent among marginalized communities, leading to this nationwide protest spearheaded by the 'Reservation Bachao Sangharsh Samiti.'

Mayawati Condemns SC Verdict, Supports Bharat Bandh

BSP supremo Mayawati was vocal in her opposition to the Supreme Court's decision, emphasizing the growing anger and resentment among SC and ST communities. In a string of tweets, Mayawati took her social media handle stating, "BSP supports Bharat Bandh because there is anger and resentment against the Supreme Court's decision regarding the sub-classification of SC/ST and creamy layer on 1 August 2024 due to the conspiracy against reservation by parties like BJP and Congress and their collusion to make it ineffective and finally end it."

Mayawati further criticized the ruling political parties, urging them to recognize the significance of the constitutional right to reservation for marginalized communities, as enshrined by Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar. She warned against any attempts to undermine these rights, which she said were crucial for the social justice and upliftment of OBCs, SCs, and STs.

Supreme Court Ruling and Political Reactions

The Supreme Court, in a 6:1 majority ruling, upheld the permissibility of sub-classification within SC and ST reservation categories. This decision, delivered by a seven-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, overturned a previous judgment in the EV Chinnaiah case, which had held that SCs and STs form homogenous classes and should not be sub-divided.

Justice BR Gavai, one of the judges in favor of the ruling, suggested that the state should develop a policy for identifying a 'creamy layer' even within SC and ST groups to ensure that affirmative action benefits reach the most disadvantaged. However, Justice Bela M Trivedi dissented, arguing that sub-classification within these communities was not permissible.

Akhilesh Yadav Joins the Chorus Against SC Verdict

Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav also voiced his support for the Bharat Bandh, describing the movement as a necessary effort to protect reservations. He asserted that the mass movement would "instil new consciousness among the exploited and deprived" and act as a "shield of people's power against any kind of tampering with reservation." Yadav warned that public movements are essential checks against government overreach and any attempts to undermine constitutional rights.

Protests and Government Response

Across Bihar, protests erupted with Bharat Bandh supporters blocking roads and chanting slogans. In Jehanabad, the National Highway 83 was obstructed by protesters, while Bhim Sena members staged similar demonstrations in Sheikhpura. The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) also expressed its solidarity with the Bharat Bandh, adding to the chorus of opposition against the Supreme Court's verdict.

Apart from this, visuals from across the nation have surfaced in favor of Bharat Bandh.

In response, the Union government clarified that it has no immediate plans to implement the Supreme Court's suggestions regarding creamy layer provisions within SC/ST reservations. Minister Vaishnaw reiterated the government's commitment to adhering to the constitutional provisions laid out by Dr. Ambedkar, dismissing any notions of sub-classification within these categories.