Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati has extended her support to a nationwide strike, Bharat Bandh, organized to protest the Supreme Court’s recent decision allowing sub-classification within Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) reservation categories. The verdict has sparked widespread dissatisfaction among marginalized communities, prompting calls for peaceful demonstrations across the country.
BulletsIn
- BSP Support for Bharat Bandh: Mayawati announced her party’s support for the nationwide strike scheduled on Wednesday, opposing the Supreme Court’s ruling on reservation sub-classification.
- Organizers of the Protest: The ‘Reservation Bachao Sangharsh Samiti’ is leading the Bharat Bandh to voice dissent against the court’s decision, which they believe undermines the rights of SC and ST communities.
- Supreme Court Verdict Details: On August 1, a seven-judge bench of the Supreme Court ruled that states have the authority to create sub-classifications within SC and ST categories to ensure effective representation.
- Majority and Dissenting Opinions: The judgment was passed with a 6:1 majority, with Justice Bela M Trivedi dissenting and expressing disagreement with the permissibility of such sub-classifications.
- Call for Identifying ‘Creamy Layer’: Justice BR Gavai suggested that states should formulate policies to identify and exclude the ‘creamy layer’ within SC and ST communities from reservation benefits.
- Allegations Against Political Parties: Mayawati accused parties like the BJP and Congress of conspiring to weaken and eventually eliminate reservation policies through such legal changes.
- Emphasis on Peaceful Protest: She urged all participants to ensure that the demonstrations remain disciplined and non-violent while making their voices heard.
- Protection of Constitutional Rights: Highlighting the efforts of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, Mayawati stressed the necessity of preserving the constitutional rights of SC, ST, and OBC communities against any form of dilution.
- Protests in Bihar: Demonstrators in Bihar’s Jahanabad district actively participated in the Bharat Bandh by blocking National Highway 83, showcasing the growing unrest over the verdict.
- Composition of the Supreme Court Bench: The bench delivering the verdict was led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and included Justices BR Gavai, Vikram Nath, Bela M Trivedi, Pankaj Mithal, Manoj Misra, and Satish Chandra Sharma.
