SC/ST Creamy Layer Provision: 'Bharat Bandh' Protests Across Madhya Pradesh; Heavy Security In Gwalior-Chambal (WATCH)

Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh): Markets and other commercial spaces remained shut in Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior on Wednesday, in line with the SC-ST communities' nationwide 'Bharat Bandh' call.

The reserved communities, including Dalit organisations in Gwalior, staged protests in response to the Supreme Court's recent remarks on implementing a ‘creamy layer’ in SC-ST reservations. 

Gwalior police is on high alert, with 3,000 personnel deployed across the city. Additionally, 50 mobile units are conducting searches to ensure public safety. The rally, which began at Jhalkari Bai Park, has reached Ambedkar Park and will conclude with the submission of the memorandum at the Collectorate.

Mixed response to protesters 

Despite the Bharat Band call, Gwalior saw mixed response as many markets and shops remained open today. The protesters intend to carry out a peaceful rally. Rally would end with the submission of a memorandum to the district collector, which will be forwarded to the President.

Gwalior has a history of violence linked to similar protests. In 2018 on April 2, a Bharat Band was called by Dalit organisations following a Supreme Court decision related to SC-ST issues. That protest led to widespread violence in the Gwalior-Chambal area, resulting in four deaths and significant property damage.

Security tightened to avoid violence

To prevent a repeat of such incidents, intelligence agencies are actively gathering information on those leading today’s protest. Security has been tightened, especially in areas with a higher Dalit population and in those previously affected by violence.

‘Rally is being conducted peacefully’

State Vice President of Azad Samaj Party Rupesh Kain, shared that several Dalit and tribal organisations, including the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Azad Samaj Party, Bhim Army and the Bharat Adivasi Party, are involved in the protest. He emphasised that the ‘Bharat Band’ is being conducted peacefully, with support from both merchants and the general public.

BSP Zone In-Charge Rai Singh Bauddh added that the government is attempting to end reservations under the guise of implementing the creamy layer, which is why they have called for this protest.

Rally conducted in other districts

Similarly, a rally was organised in the Narmadapuram district of Madhya Pradesh which started at 2 o'clock from Satastrasta and concluded at the District Collectorate via the main roads of the city over Reservation Bachao Movement. In the view of these rallies, extensive arrangements had been made regarding security issues to handle the situation. However, markets were completely open.

Tribal and Dalit organisations in the Jabalpur district also staged a protest in the view of 'Bharat Bandh'.

In Ujjain, markets were shut down and BSP supporters and members staged a protest. They took a march with over a hundred supporters in the district. Bandh supporters forcefully closed the shops and other businesses establishments in Ujjain, though the bandh call evoked almost no response.