Dalit organisations have reportedly called off the Bharat Bandh that was scheduled for today.
Citing government passing the amendments to the SC/ST Act to undo strictures by the Supreme Court the reason to call off the bandh, the organizations, however said that they would continue their support for the All India Kisan Sabha-led protest programme across the country
Ashok Bharti, chairman of All India Ambedkar Mahasabha (AIAM) while speaking to media said, “We are giving more time to the government to fulfill our demands. We are not calling off the bandh, we are only deferring it. If the Centre does not accept our demands we will hit the streets again.”
However, a day-long bandh called by pro-quota Maratha groups in Maharashtra will go on as scheduled to demand reservation in government jobs and educational institutions.
Elaborate security arrangements have been made in the state, particularly in capital Mumbai, to avoid a repeat of last months protest which had led to large-scale violence and arson.
The Maharashtra bandh, will, however, not be observed in Navi Mumbai, because of ‘sensitive issues’.
Amol Jadhavrao, leader of Sakal Maratha Samaj said, “Due to some sensitive issues, we have decided not to observe bandh in Navi Mumbai. He added that all essential services, schools and colleges have been excluded from the bandh.
The politically influential Marathas constitute around 30 percent of Maharashtras population and have been demanding 16 percent reservation in government jobs and education.
