LIVE Updates | Bharat Bandh Today: Police, Protestors Clash In Patna; Road, Rail Services Disrupted In Odisha

Bharat Bandh on 21 August 2024 Live Updates: The Nationwide shutdown has been called to get the government to reverse the SC ruling. Public transportation and private businesses will remain closed, although emergency services, including ambulances, continue to operate.

Dalit and Adivasi groups have announced a 'Bharat Bandh' for Wednesday, demanding stronger representation and safeguards for marginalized communities. The National Confederation of Dalit and Adivasi Organisations (NACDAOR) has voiced opposition to a recent Supreme Court verdict delivered by a seven-judge bench. They assert that this verdict contradicts a prior decision by a nine-judge bench in the pivotal Indira Sawhney case, which set the precedent for reservation policies in India.

NACDAOR is calling on the government to overturn this ruling, claiming it endangers the constitutional entitlements of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).

Typically, on such days, public transportation and private businesses do not operate, but emergency services like ambulances remain active.

The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Congress, and Rashtriya Janata Dal declared their support for the Bharat Bandh on Tuesday, with Left parties also endorsing the strike.

JMM has directed all its leaders, district presidents, secretaries, and coordinators to take an active role in the 14-hour nationwide shutdown and to lend their support.

Stay Tuned For Live Updates On Bharat Bandh (Nationwide Shutdown) on Zee News English.

21 August 2024

15:58 IST

Bharat Bandh Today Live News Updates: BSP Workers Join Dalit Organizations' March in Kanpur

In Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) members have joined forces with Dalit organizations in a march as part of the Bharat Bandh. BSP leader and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati has publicly voiced her support for the bandh.

14:34 IST

Bharat Bandh Today Live News Updates: Over 700 Markets Of Delhi To Remain Open

"We held a discussion with over a 100 market associations of Delhi, and they informed us that none of the organisations (who called for Bharat Bandh) asked them for support nor informed them regarding the Bharat Bandh. The festival season is already underway, so there seems no viable reason to shut Delhi markets. Hence, CTI has decided that over 700 markets of Delhi will remain open today," says Brijesh Goyal, Chairman, Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI).

14:08 IST

Bharat Bandh Latest News Updates: Here's What UP DGP Said On Nationwide Shutdown

Today, the 'Reservation Bachao Sangharsh Samiti' is observing a day-long Bharat Bandh to protest against the Supreme Court's recent decision on reservations. Uttar Pradesh DGP Prashant Kumar stated, "An extensive police force has been deployed for the Bharat Bandh called by various political parties and organizations. Our officers are constantly coordinating with the concerned magistrates on the ground. Leaflets are being collected from all locations. The situation across Uttar Pradesh is under control. No untoward incidents have been reported... Discussions have been conducted with key individuals from all parties, and everyone has assured that there will be no disruptions... We want to assure the citizens of the state that law and order will be maintained at all costs..."

13:45 IST

Bharat Bandh Live Updates: Pawan Khera Backs Call For Bharat Bandh 

Congress leader Pawan Khera while reacting ongoing Bharat Bandh called by Dalit and adivasi organisations said, "Dalits, SC, ST, and OBCs are constantly agitated, they are living in constant fear. It is their democratic right to hold peaceful protests if they feel threatened."

13:26 IST

Bharat Bandh News Latest Updates: Protestors Hold March In Jaipur

SC, ST organisations hold a protest march from Jaipur's Albert Hall against the Supreme Court's order on SC/ST reservation. 

13:21 IST

Bharat Bandh By Dalit, Adivasi Organisations Live News Updates: Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal Reacts 

On 'Bharat Bandh' over Supreme Court's recent judgment on reservations, Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal says, "The Supreme Court judgment has two parts - one issue was about creamy layer, the other issue was about sub-categorisation of the SC. On one of these issues, Supreme Court gave an observation. The observation is not a part of the judgment. When SC-ST MPs, who belong to BJP, felt that the Opposition was misleading people that with this decision creamy layer will now be a part of SC/ST, they gave a memorandum to the Prime Minister on 9th August. After a cabinet decision, the PM said that the creamy layer is not implemented in SC/ST and is not a part of this judgment."

"The second part is about direction, it is a part of the judgment - Supreme Court said that if the states want they can draw sub-categorisation and it imposed two conditions, 1) states will collect quantifiable data, 2) they can't give 100% reservation to whoever they are giving. Opposition is spreading unnecessary misinformation...They are also causing lateral entry controversy. The biggest example of lateral entry was Dr Manmohan Singh. But PM Modi clarified this issue too. In the letter issued yesterday, you would have seen that the lateral entry advertisements have been withdrawn until the input on social justice comes. It means that PM Modi has been continuously working toward protecting the interests of SC, ST and OBC. He will continue to do this," he added.

13:13 IST

Bharat Bandh Today Live Updates: Union Minister Jayant Singh Chaudhary on Bharat Bandh

Bharat Bandh Today Live Updates: In response to the nationwide Bharat Bandh called today to protest the Supreme Court's decision on SC/ST reservation, Union Minister Jayant Singh Chaudhary stated, "The Supreme Court made a comment, which was then clarified by the Law Minister in Parliament. The Cabinet has also made its stance clear, leaving no room for doubt..."

12:59 IST

Bharat Bandh: Strike Causes Public Inconvenience In Rajasthan

In some areas, the availability of roadways buses was reduced, causing inconvenience for commuters. In Jaipur, market associations voluntarily closed shops to avoid any disruptions. Major markets like Chaura Rasta, Johari Bazar, Tripolia Bazar, and MI Road were affected.

12:45 IST

August 21 Strike: SC ST Sanyukt Sangharsh Samiti Rally In Jaipur

Members of the SC and ST communities gathered at Ram Niwas Garden in Jaipur for a rally against the Supreme Court's August 1 order on the sub-classification of SCs. The rally was scheduled to pass through various markets in the city.

12:31 IST

Bharat Bandh News Live Updates: Police Resort To Lathi-Charge In Patna

Police lathi-charge people in Patna as they stage protest in support of a day-long Bharat Bandh against the Supreme Court's recent judgment on reservations.

#WATCH | Bihar: Police lathi-charge people in Patna as they stage protest in support of a day-long Bharat Bandh against the Supreme Court's recent judgment on reservations. pic.twitter.com/5jEMQiagJJ

— ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2024

12:15 IST

Bharat Bandh Live Updates: Security Beefed Up In Odisha

Security has been heightened at  state secretariat, departmental heads' buildings, and other key locations in Odisha.

Agitators have disrupted train services at Bhubaneswar and Sambalpur, and passenger buses have ceased operations on various routes. Demonstrations have taken place in multiple areas, with protestors blocking several roads, including national highways.

Protestors temporarily detained the Visakha Express at Bhubaneswar railway station and obstructed the Sambalpur-Puri and Sambalpur-Rayagada trains at Khetrajpur station in Sambalpur. Train operations resumed normalcy after police cleared the tracks of agitators.

Blockades on roads have also been reported from Cuttack, Sambalpur, Bolangir, Malkangiri, Sundergarh, and Keonjhar.

11:35 IST

Bharat Bandh 2024 Live Updates: Nationwide Shutdown Disrupts Daily Life In Odisha 

The Bharat bandh, spanning an entire day and initiated by certain Dalit and Adivasi organizations in response to the Supreme Court's verdict on the sub-classification of Scheduled Castes, has somewhat disrupted rail and road transport in Odisha this Wednesday. Despite these disturbances, government offices, banks, commercial entities, and educational institutions continued their operations as usual, according to police reports.

11:25 IST

Bharat Bandh News Live Updates: Protestors Stop Delhi Bound Sampark Kranti Train At Darbhanga

Darbhanga-Delhi Bihar Sampark Express train has been stopped at the Darbhanga railway station by protesters.

11:05 IST

Bharat Bandh Live News Updates: RAF Deployed In Jaipur 

RAF deployed ahead of Dalit organisation's march which is scheduled to begin from Jaipur's Albert Hall.

10:53 IST

Bharat Bandh In Jharkhand News Updates: Private Buses Services Shut In Ranchi

People are experiencing difficulties as private bus services continue to be suspended amidst the Bharat Bandh nationwide shutdown called by Dalit and Adivasi organizations. Images from Kanta Toli Bus Stand in Ranchi, Jharkhand, depict the situation.

10:39 IST

Bharat Bandh In Rajasthan Live Updates: All Schools Shut In Gangapur

Gangapur City District Collector orders all schools in the district to remain closed today to maintain law and order in wake of the 'Bharat Bandh'.

10:30 IST

Bharat Bandh (Nationwide Shutdown) Live Updates: Markets Wear Deserted Look In Jodhpur

Shops in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, are closed in response to the day-long Bharat Bandh organized by the Reservation Bachao Sangharsh Samiti, protesting against the Supreme Court's recent decision on reservations.

10:20 IST

Bharat Bandh News Live Updates: Shops Shut In Jaipur Amid Nationwide Shutdown

Shops in Rajasthan's capital Jaipur are shut due to the day-long Bharat Bandh called by Reservation Bachao Sangharsh Samiti to protest the Supreme Court's recent judgment on reservations.

10:05 IST

Bharat Bandh News Live Updates: Rail Tracks Blocked In Bihar

Protesters block railway tracks in Arrah, Bihar.

09:45 IST

Bharat Bandh Live Updates: Supporters, Police Clash In Bihar's Jehanabad

A scuffle erupted between supporters of the bandh and police in Jehanabad, Bihar. Dalit and Adivasi organizations have declared a 'Bharat Bandh' on August 21, demanding enhanced representation and protection for marginalized communities.

09:38 IST

Bharat Bandh 2024 News Live Updates: Services That Will Remain Operational

Emergency Services: Hospitals, ambulances, and pharmacies will stay operational to provide necessary services.

Police Services: Law enforcement agencies will maintain their usual activities to guarantee public safety.

Essential Utilities: Utilities such as electricity, water, and sanitation will operate as expected.

09:17 IST

Bharat Bandh News Live Updates: NH 83 Blocked In Bihar's Jehanabad

Bharat Bandh supporters have blocked the NH 83 in Unta in Bihar's Jehanabad. The 'Reservation Bachao Sangharsh Samiti' are observing a day-long Bharat Bandh today to protest the Supreme Court's recent judgment on reservations.

09:07 IST

Bharat Bandh News Live Updates: Bhim Sena Forces Road Closure In Bihar

Members of the Bhim Sena blocked a road during the 'Bharat Bandh' in Bihar's Sheikhpura. Dalit and Adivasi organizations have declared a 'Bharat Bandh' on August 21, demanding enhanced representation and protection for marginalized communities.

VIDEO | #Bihar: Bhim Sena members block a road during 'Bharat Bandh' in Sheikhpura.

Dalit and Adivasi organisations have called for a 'Bharat Bandh' today (August 21) over their demand for stronger representation and protection for marginalised communities.#BharatBandh

(Full… pic.twitter.com/CBSlIk3s9n

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 21, 2024

08:54 IST

Bharat Bandh 2024 News Live Updates: Are banks operational today?

 Despite the Bharat Bandh call, banks across the nation will continue to operate on August 21, 2024. The bandh will not lead to a nationwide shutdown of banks.

08:39 IST

Bharat Bandh 2024 Live Updates: Heavy Police Deployed In All Districts Of Rajasthan

According to a Times of India report, the police have been asked to increase deployment in all districts to avoid any tension. DGP UR Sahu also said that instructions have also been given to the SPs to ensure law and order during the Bharat Bandh. "We have asked our officials to organise meetings with groups calling for bandh as well as market associations to facilitate better cooperation," he said."

08:23 IST

Bharat Bandh Updates Live: Which states will be affected by the nationwide shutdown in India?

The impact of the Bharat Bandh will be seen more in states like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh. The maximum impact is expected to be seen in Rajasthan. 

08:16 IST

Bharat Bandh: All Markets In Delhi To Remain Open

A nationwide Bharat Bandh has been announced today by different organizations and it is also trending on social media, but this Bharat Bandh will not have any effect in Delhi. "We have discussed the matter with the associations of more than 100 markets like Kashmere Gate, Chandni Chowk, Khari Baoli, Naya Bazar, Chawri Bazar, Sadar Bazar, Karol Bagh, Kamla Nagar, Connaught Place, Lajpat Nagar, Sarojini Nagar, etc.

08:07 IST

Bharat Bandh News Live Updates: Schools Shut Down In Several Rajasthan Districts

Due to the Bharat Bandh, many cities, including the Jaipur district, have declared holidays for schools. This affects both government and private institutions, as well as coaching centers up to the 12th grade. The district education officer has communicated this decision to the respective education officers.

The directive follows recommendations from the Additional Commissioner of Police, Law and Order. School holidays have also been announced in other cities such as Sriganganagar, Bikaner, Dausa, Jhunjhunu, Jaisalmer, Deedwana, Ajmer, Bhilwara, and Tonk.

08:00 IST

Bharat Bandh 2024 LIVE Updates: Bandh Gains Significant Support from SC/ST Groups in Rajasthan

The Bharat Bandh is receiving widespread support, especially from SC/ST groups in Rajasthan. Numerous social and political organizations are backing the protest, highlighting the urgency of the matter. The bandh is a response to the Supreme Court's latest ruling and a wider call to protect the current reservation system, considered vital for promoting social equality throughout India.

07:55 IST

Bharat Bandh 2024 News Live Updates: Security Measures In Effect

In anticipation of potential unrest, police forces in various states have been directed to bolster their presence. Reports indicate that Western Uttar Pradesh is considered a sensitive region, with heightened police vigilance. DGP UR Sahoo stated, "Our officials have been instructed to conduct meetings with the organizations calling for the bandh and with market associations to ensure improved collaboration." Senior police officials convened a video conference to strategize on safety protocols, aiming to safeguard the public throughout the bandh.

07:40 IST

Bharat Bandh 2024 News Live Updates: BSP Supports Strike

The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) has announced its support for the Bharat Bandh on Wednesday. The strike, called by groups representing Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), is in response to the Supreme Court's August 1 directive for sub-classification of SCs and STs in quotas and the application of the creamy layer concept within these communities.

Akash Anand, the party's national coordinator, expressed the community's discontent with the Supreme Court's order. “To protest against the order, our community has given a call for Bharat Bandh. We will protest in a peaceful manner on August 21,” he posted on ‘X’

07:25 IST

Bhatat Bandh Live Updates: What will remain closed during Bharat Bandh?

As of now, the state government has not issued any official order on this matter. The repercussions are expected to be felt in states such as Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. The police have been notified accordingly. Meanwhile, the public has been advised to remain indoors. The groups organizing the Bharat Bandh have declared that public transportation will not function nationwide, although no formal declaration has been made. Public transport has been disrupted in certain regions, and private offices may also be shut down in various locations.

07:10 IST

Bharat Bandh 2024 Live: What Remains Open Amid Nationwide Strike Today?

Dalit organisations have issued an advisory to the general public, appealing that except for medical services, police and fire services, everything should be closed from 6 am to 8 pm. However, government offices, banks, petrol pumps, schools and colleges will function normally. So far, no orders have been issued to stop them. However, public transport and trains will continue to operate.

07:00 IST

LIVE Updates | Bharat Bandh Today (21-Aug-2024): Why A Nationwide Shutdown Has Been Called?

The main reason behind the protest is the Supreme Court ruling of allowing different states to sub-classify the SC/ST community as per the degree of discrimination the community had to face. 

The ruling, which aims to focus reservations on those most in need, has faced strong pushback from various social and political groups. 

Critics argue that this decision weakens the core principles of the reservation system. As a result, there is a call for a Bharat Bandh to demand that the decision be reversed.