Bharat Bandh Shakes Gujarat: Mixed Reactions to SC Verdict on Sub-Classification of Scheduled Castes

Protesters led Bharat Bandh in Gujarat, reacting to the Supreme Court's ruling on sub-classification of Scheduled Castes. Key regions, including Chhota Udepur and Narmada, witnessed market closures and roadblocks. Police intervened in Surendranagar to disperse crowds blocking a goods train. The bandh saw significant impact in tribal and Dalit-dominated areas.

Protesters blocked a goods train and roads during the 'Bharat Bandh' on Wednesday, organized by Dalit and Adivasi groups in opposition to the Supreme Court's decision on sub-classification of Scheduled Castes (SCs). The bandh evoked varied reactions across Gujarat, particularly impacting regions with significant tribal and Dalit populations.

In Surendranagar district's Wadhwan taluka, protesters halted a goods train, prompting police intervention. After about an hour and a half, authorities managed to get the train moving towards Bhavnagar. Meanwhile, in Aravalli district, protesters blocked roads in Bhiloda and Shamlaji, leading to detentions in Patan and Aravalli districts.

Markets, schools, and colleges closed in Sabarkantha district's Idar and Vijaynagar towns amid heavy police presence. In Surat's Umarpada town, shops shut down completely by early afternoon. SC/ST organizations staged protest rallies in Vadodara and Ahmedabad, voicing concerns that the Supreme Court's ruling would undermine reservation principles. The court had ruled that states could make sub-classifications within SCs for reservation purposes based on quantifiable data of backwardness.

(With inputs from agencies.)