Is there a Bharat Bandh on 21 August 2024? Know the whole truth behind it

New Delhi: Discussions about a possible Bharat Bandh (nationwide strike) on August 21, 2024, are gaining momentum across social media and news platforms. Reports suggest that the bandh has been called in protest against a recent Supreme Court decision related to reservations. Although no official announcement has been made by any major organization, the topic is being widely discussed on various social media platforms.

The Supreme Court’s Landmark Decision and Its Implications

On August 1, 2024, the Supreme Court’s Constitutional Bench delivered a significant verdict allowing states to create sub-categories within the Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) groups. The objective of this decision is to ensure that reservation benefits reach those who are truly in need. The court stated, “The purpose of reservation is to empower the socially and economically disadvantaged groups, and through this sub-categorization, the benefits can be distributed more effectively.”

This decision has sparked controversy among certain groups, particularly those who believe that such sub-categorization undermines the essence of the reservation system. As a result, several Bahujan organizations and other social groups are reportedly expressing their discontent and are likely to support the Bharat Bandh on August 21 as a form of protest.

Growing Buzz on Social Media

On social media platform X, the hashtag ‘#21AugustBharatBandh’ is currently trending, with over 15,400 posts already shared. Bahujan organizations and reservation protection committees have voiced their opposition to the Supreme Court’s recent ruling and are using this hashtag to rally support for the bandh.

Supporters of the bandh are demanding that the government retract the Supreme Court’s decision. Although there is no clear indication of how and where this bandh will take place, the increasing support on social media suggests that it could have a significant impact.

A Look Back at the Last Bharat Bandh

In February 2024, the country witnessed a major Bharat Bandh when farmers called for a nationwide strike on February 16 to press their demands. At that time, the bandh had a considerable impact in states like Punjab and Haryana due to the ongoing farmers’ protests, although its effects were limited in other regions.

During that bandh, farmers protested against government policies, focusing on issues like the Minimum Support Price (MSP) guarantee and other agricultural concerns.

What Will Be Open and Closed During the Bandh

During the Bharat Bandh, certain key services and facilities are expected to remain operational, while others might be shut down:

• Operational Services: Emergency services, such as ambulances, hospitals, and medical facilities, will remain open. These services will not be affected by the bandh, ensuring that essential healthcare is accessible without disruption.
• Closed Services: Public transportation, including buses, trains, and other transit services, are likely to be suspended. Additionally, private offices and non-essential services might also remain closed. There are speculations that schools and colleges could be closed, but this will depend on the decisions made by local administrations.

Purpose and Potential Impact of the Bharat Bandh

The primary aim of the Bharat Bandh on August 21 is to challenge the legitimacy of the Supreme Court’s decision and to demand its withdrawal. Various social and political organizations are expected to support this bandh, though there is still uncertainty about its scale and effectiveness.

As August 21 approaches, speculations and discussions about the Bharat Bandh are intensifying. The issue is being widely debated on social media, and its potential impact on different regions of the country remains to be seen. However, only time will tell the extent of the bandh’s success and the role of the supporting organizations.