The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) has announced its support for the Bharat Bandh called by various Dalit and Adivasi groups in protest of the Supreme Court's recent ruling on the sub-classification of Scheduled Castes (SCs). The BSP criticized major political parties, accusing them of undermining the reservation system.
According to BSP President Mayawati, the party supports the nationwide shutdown because of widespread anger and dissatisfaction over the Supreme Court's August 1 decision regarding the sub-classification of SCs and the creation of a creamy layer within these communities. She further claimed that there was a conspiracy to weaken and eventually dismantle reservations by some political forces.
In a statement posted on social media, Mayawati said, "The Bharat Bandh today reflects the anger against the Supreme Court's decision on sub-classification of SC/STs and the attempts to weaken reservations by certain political parties. This protest aims to pressure the government to reverse the changes made to the reservation system through constitutional amendments."
Mayawati emphasized that reservation rights for SCs, STs, and OBCs are a hard-earned constitutional provision resulting from the relentless efforts of B. R. Ambedkar. She urged political parties to recognize the importance of these rights and not tamper with them for political gains.
Twenty-one organizations nationwide have joined the Bharat Bandh, claiming that the Supreme Court’s verdict threatens the core principles of the reservation system. The court had ruled that states are empowered to sub-classify SCs to ensure the upliftment of the most socially and educationally disadvantaged groups. However, the court mandated that sub-classification must be based on "quantifiable data" and not political considerations.
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