The recent announcement of the Supreme Court regarding the categorization of state benefits for the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities has sparked a wave of protests and demonstrations in various cities of Gujarat, including Rajkot, Morbi, and Bhayavadar. The decision to allow the state government to classify the benefits has been met with opposition from the ST/SC society, leading to a series of protest activities in support of the Bharat Bandh movement in Saurashtra.
In Rajkot, the Bahujan Samaj Party and representatives of the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities organized a demonstration at the Collector’s office to protest against the categorization. A large number of people gathered to submit petitions and voice their concerns.
Similarly, in Jamnagar, different organizations from the Scheduled Caste community came together to show their support for the Bharat Bandh movement. A rally was organized in the city, along with a symbolic protest at Town Hall Circle. Some shops remained closed for a short period, and traffic was disrupted as the police had to intervene.
In Dhrol, the Meghwal community’s youth announced their support for the Bharat Bandh movement by declaring a bandh in the main markets of the town. The protest affected several areas, including Soni Bazaar, Kapad Bazaar, Nadi Bazaar, Darbar Gadh, and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Chowk.
In Jamjodhpur, the Gidganj village witnessed a peaceful bandh in solidarity with the Bharat Bandh movement. The residents of Chittal village also joined the protest against the categorization of state benefits. In Bhayavadar, the Meghwal community organized a rally to appeal to the Deputy Mamlatdar to address their grievances.
Morbi saw a similar demonstration by the Scheduled Caste community, with a rally organized from Gandhi Chowk to Nheru Gate. The business community in the city also supported the bandh by appealing to traders to join the protest. The district collector was approached with a petition in support of the Bharat Bandh movement.
Overall, the support for the Bharat Bandh movement in Gujarat has been strong, with various communities coming together to protest against the categorization of state benefits. The demonstrations and rallies organized in different cities reflect the unity and determination of the people to fight for their rights and demand equal treatment. The impact of these protests will likely be felt across the state, as more communities join the movement to oppose the Supreme Court’s decision.