Nationwide Shutdown on August 21

India is gearing up for a significant event on August 21, as several Dalit organizations have called for a nationwide shutdown, known as ‘Bharat Bandh.’ This protest is primarily in response to a recent Supreme Court decision regarding the creamy layer in SC/ST reservations.

The Supreme Court’s ruling stated that not all Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) are homogeneous. It suggested that some castes are more disadvantaged compared to others. The court has allowed state governments to classify SC/ST reservations to better serve those who are more backward, but this decision has sparked widespread outrage among Dalit groups.

Several political parties, including the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), are lending their support to this protest, aiming to raise awareness about the issues faced by these communities. BSP leader Mayawati has been vocal against the Supreme Court’s decision, urging her party members to participate actively in the shutdown.

The Bharat Bandh is expected to have implications across the entire country, with searches on Google related to the strike trending in states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar. People are keen to find out which services will be affected and which will remain operational.

Authorities are preparing for the shutdown, with the police on high alert. In states like Rajasthan, police have been instructed to ensure law and order during the protests. Emergency services, like hospitals and ambulances, are expected to operate normally despite the shutdown.

As the day approaches, many are left wondering how this nationwide protest will unfold. The conversations around the protest are gaining traction, and various groups are coming together to voice their concerns regarding the Supreme Court’s ruling.