Bharat Bandh: Bandh call by SC/ST groups partially affects life in state |
Bhubaneswar: Life was partially affected across the state on Wednesday due to the Bharat Bandh call given by Dalit and tribal groups against a Supreme Court verdict on the sub-classification of scheduled castes.
Govt offices, shops and business establishments were closed at several places. Bus services were affected in several districts while trains were delayed due to rail roko at some stations.The bandh was supported by Left parties, Congress, trade unions and other outfits.
The SC and ST Joint Action Committee, Odisha, picketed at Bhubaneswar and other cities, staged demonstrations at bus stops, rail stations and busy thoroughfares, seeking fulfilment of seven demands.
State coordinator of the committee, Abhiram Mallick, said the bandh in Odisha was peaceful and successful. “We want the Centre to promulgate an ordinance to make the SC judgment ineffective, file a review petition in the apex court and frame an appropriate Bill and table it in Parliament in the upcoming session to invalidate the order,” he added.
They also demanded the Centre to conduct a socio-economic-educational caste census, initiate necessary proceedings in Parliament to place the reservation laws for SCs and STs under Schedule IX of the Constitution, and take proper steps for the development of SC/ST communities.
BJD social media coordinator Priyabrata Majhi said the party is fighting for the rights of SC and ST communities. “Under the leadership of Naveen Patnaik, the previous BJD govt had carried out all-round development of the communities. Our party is at the forefront to pay respect to the SC/ST heroes. Silence of the BJP govt has pained the communities. We will take the next course of action after analysing the SC order,” he added.
State BJP SC cell president Bibhu Prasad Tarai alleged the Bharat Bandh call was given to defame the govt. “BJP govt always supports the SC/ST communities. Odisha’s SC/ST organisations didn’t support the bandh,” he added.
We also published the following articles recently
On Wednesday, the Bharat Bandh called by Dalit and Adivasi groups partially disrupted rail and road transport in Odisha. Government services and businesses operated normally. Protesters blocked several roads and detained trains at Bhubaneswar and Sambalpur. Authorities enhanced security at key locations as the bandh opposed the Supreme Court’s classification ruling on Scheduled Castes.
Normal life in Odisha was partially disrupted by a Bharat Bandh organized by Dalit and tribal groups against a Supreme Court ruling on SC/ST reservations. Supported by various parties and unions, the bandh affected bus and train services. Protesters demanded legislative action to overturn the court judgment and further support for SC/ST communities.
