Given the 'Bharat Bandh' call today, security was increased in many states including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh.

Bharat Bandh 21 August: A 'Bharat Bandh' was called on Wednesday in protest against the Supreme Court's recent decision on SC-ST reservation. 'Aarakshan Bachao Sangharsh Samiti' and other organizations demanded the withdrawal of the decision. The Samajwadi Party (SP) President Akhilesh Yadav and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati have also supported the Bharat Bandh call. 

Given the 'Bharat Bandh' call today, security was increased in many states including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. Likewise, schools were closed in some places. 

Why Bharat Bandh call today?

Dalit and tribal organizations have called for a 'Bharat Bandh' demanding strong representation and security for marginalized communities. 21 organizations across the country, including Aarakshan Bachao Sangharsh Samiti, have called for Bharat Bandh. The Bharat Bandh on August 21 has been called against the Supreme Court's August 1 decision on the SC-ST reservation. The organizations have opposed the decision, saying that it will damage the basic principles of reservation. 

Where was the impact of Bharat Bandh seen today? 

Protests were seen in many states including UP, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar in protest against the Supreme Court's decision. Schools were kept closed in Ganganagar, Rajasthan. Schools are also closed in most parts of Jharkhand. Protesters blocked National Highway 83 in Jehanabad, Bihar. Protests were also held in Patna in view of Bharat Bandh. People gathered in many cities including Jaipur, Jodhpur, Ajmer in Rajasthan. News agency ANI also showed visuals of protests from Moradabad and Agra in UP.

What did the government say?

Regarding the Bharat Bandh today, Union Minister Jayant Singh Chaudhary said, 'There was a comment of the Supreme Court, after which the Law Minister also gave clarification on this in Parliament. The Cabinet has also clarified its opinion, so now nothing else is left...'