In protest against the Supreme Court's decision to implement creamy layer in SC/ST reservation, the Reservation Bachao Sangharsh Samiti has called for a Bharat Bandh tomorrow, i.e. 21st August. Many Dalit organizations have also supported the Bharat Bandh. Apart from this, BSP has also supported the Bharat Bandh. To avoid any tension, the police have been asked to increase deployment in all the districts.
The Supreme Court has allowed the state government to create a creamy layer in SC/ST reservation. The court said that those who really need it should get priority in reservation. A wide debate has erupted over this decision. The organizations that announced Bharat Bandh are demanding the withdrawal of this decision.
In view of the possibility of violence during the bandh, top police officials have issued necessary guidelines for all divisional commissioners, district magistrates and senior police officers. Western Uttar Pradesh has been considered particularly sensitive, due to which the police there has been put on high alert. Officials are taking extensive steps to ensure the safety of the public during the protest.
No official announcement has been made yet regarding what will remain open and what will remain closed during Bharat Bandh. However, there is a possibility that public transport services may be affected during Bharat Bandh. It is possible that private offices may be closed at some places.
Emergency services like hospitals and ambulances will remain operational during Bharat Bandh. No order has come from the government yet regarding keeping banks and government offices closed. Therefore, it is believed that banks and government offices will remain open on Wednesday.