Mixed Reactions to Bharat Bandh Over Supreme Court Reservation Order

The Bharat Bandh in Rajasthan, called against the Supreme Court's recent order on sub-classification of Scheduled Castes for reservation, saw mixed reactions. While essential services and public transport remained unaffected, some shops and schools closed, and security was heightened. Protests and rallies were organized in various districts.

The Bharat Bandh called by some groups in opposition to the recent Supreme Court decision regarding reservation for Scheduled Castes (SCs) saw a mixed response from residents in Rajasthan, with normal life largely unchanged.

Despite the bandh, essential services remained operational, and morning public transport services were not disrupted.

Nevertheless, several shops and schools in certain districts closed their doors, and mobile internet services were suspended in Bharatpur. Commuters faced inconveniences due to a reduced number of roadways buses operating.

Authorities took elaborate security measures statewide to ensure law and order, with police officials instructed to safeguard public safety.

Suresh Saini, general secretary of Jaipur Vyapar Mahasangh, mentioned that market associations opted to keep shops closed voluntarily to avoid inconvenience due to the protests.

The SC ST Sanyukt Sangharsh Samiti organized a rally in Jaipur to protest the Supreme Court's August 1 order on the subclassification of SCs, starting at Ram Niwas Garden and passing through various markets.

While several markets remained shut, some shops stayed open.

A Home Department official confirmed that additional police teams were deployed to prevent untoward incidents during the bandh, and Jaipur Police Commissioner Biju George Joseph issued directives to maintain law and order across all police station areas.

The Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) also issued instructions for the safe operation of its buses during the bandh. RSRTC Chairman and MD Shreya Guha directed key managerial staff to remain present at the headquarters for efficient coordination.

Twenty-one organizations nationwide have called for the Bharat Bandh, criticizing the Supreme Court's decision, which they claim undermines the essential principles of reservation.

The Supreme Court's August 1 order emphasizes that states have the constitutional authority to subclassify within the SCs for reservations, aiming at uplifting castes that are socially and educationally more backward.

(With inputs from agencies.)