Raipur. The ‘Bharat Bandh’ called by various organizations on Wednesday in protest against the recent Supreme Court order related to reservation had a partial impact in Chhattisgarh. The effect of the one-day ‘Bharat Bandh’ was seen in the tribal-dominated areas of the state, while it did not have much impact in the rest of the places.
In some parts of Surguja division, Mohla-Manpur-Ambagadh Chowki and Dhamtari district, most shops and business establishments remained closed. The bandh also had an impact in seven districts of Bastar division in South Chhattisgarh. Partial impact of the bandh was seen in districts like Raipur, Bilaspur, Durg, Rajnandgaon and Korba. Schools, hospitals and other essential services were kept out of the bandh. Transport services also remained largely unaffected.
A massive motorcycle rally was taken out in support of the bandh by members of Sarva Adivasi Samaj (SAS) at Dantewada district headquarters. SAS, an umbrella organisation of tribal organisations, has a good presence in tribal areas. Sarva Adivasi Samaj leader Ballu Bhavani told reporters that the bandh against the Supreme Court verdict on Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) reservation received good support in Dantewada.
He said that people from all sections of the society including traders’ association supported the bandh. Bhavani said that they have submitted a memorandum addressed to the President, Prime Minister and Chief Justice in the District Collector’s office, in which protest has been expressed against the ‘unconstitutional’ decision on ST and SC reservation. The opposition party of the state, Congress, also gave moral support to the bandh and demanded attention to their demands.
State Congress communication wing chief Sushil Anand Shukla said, “ST and SC people and their affiliated organisations have called for a Bharat Bandh in support of their legitimate demands. Their demands should be considered sympathetically as it is their constitutional right. Congress morally supports their movement.”