Mixed Reaction to Bharat Bandh in Jharkhand Disrupts Daily Life

The Bharat Bandh called over community-based reservation evoked mixed reactions in Jharkhand. Vehicular movement was briefly disrupted, public buses stayed off roads, and schools closed. The ruling alliance and Left parties supported the strike, leading to road blockades and postponed exams. The situation remained mostly peaceful.

The Bharat Bandh called by various groups over community-based reservations saw mixed reactions in Jharkhand on Wednesday, causing brief disruptions in vehicular movement, with several public buses staying off the roads and schools remaining closed.

Chief Minister Hemant Soren canceled his visit to Palamu due to the strike, according to an official. The bandh was backed by twenty-one organizations opposing the Supreme Court's August 1 decision on SC-ST reservation, arguing that it undermines the reservation's foundational principles.

The state's ruling alliance – Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Congress, and Rashtriya Janata Dal – along with Left parties, extended their support to the strike. Alliance workers took to the streets in numerous parts of the state, affecting vehicular movement as protesters burnt tyres and set up blockades in Ranchi. Bandh supporters also urged shopkeepers to shut down in the state capital, with similar blockades reported from Palamu, Godda, Dumka, Garhwa, and other districts.

Adivasi Jan Parishad president Prem Sahi Munda stated, "We are not protesting the top court's verdict, but we hit the streets to protect our rights provided by the Constitution." Schools remained closed, office attendance was low, and long-route public buses did not run, causing inconvenience for commuters like Vinod Rawani, who awaited transportation for urgent travel to Giridih.

Security was increased at key locations to prevent incidents, officials said. The practical exam for Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) at Ranchi University was postponed due to the strike. Despite these disruptions, Deputy Superintendent of Police (Hatia) P K Mishra reported a peaceful situation in Ranchi and efforts to maintain traffic flow.

(With inputs from agencies.)