India Bandh on Wednesday: Odisha tightens security, early office attendance advised; protests against SC ruling on SC/ST reservations planned.
Bhubaneswar: In response to the nationwide strike, or India Bandh, called for Wednesday, security has been significantly ramped up at key government buildings in Odisha, including the Lok Seva Bhavan and Kharavela Bhavan. The state government has advised employees to arrive at their offices by 9:30 AM to ensure smooth operations before the gates are closed at 10:15 AM.
The bandh has been organized by various groups, including SC/ST and Dalit organizations, to protest a recent Supreme Court ruling on reservation policies. The Odisha Adivasi Kalyan Sangha will also participate in the bandh, demonstrating widespread discontent over the court’s decision.
Reasons Behind the Bandh
The bandh is in response to a Supreme Court ruling that allows state governments to create a special category within SC/ST reservations. The court's decision aims to prioritize those who genuinely need reservation benefits. However, this move has sparked considerable controversy, with many organizations arguing that it could marginalize certain sections of society that rely on these protections.
In Odisha, the Protection Rights Struggle Committee has taken the lead in organizing the bandh, arguing that the Supreme Court’s ruling could undermine the purpose of reservations. Several Dalit organizations, alongside the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), have extended their support to the bandh, reflecting a unified stance against the ruling.
Protests and Picketing Planned Across Odisha
As part of the bandh, protestors plan to engage in picketing at key locations, including railway stations and petrol pumps. Demonstrations are also expected in front of various government offices and banks, signaling widespread participation across the state.
Security Measures Intensified
In anticipation of the bandh, the Odisha government has increased security at the Lok Seva Bhavan and Kharavela Bhavan, two of the state’s most important government buildings. Employees have been instructed to report to work by 9:30 AM, and the gates of these buildings will be locked at 10:15 AM to prevent any disruptions.
Furthermore, police forces have been deployed across all districts in the state to maintain law and order during the bandh. The state government is keen to avoid any untoward incidents and has taken precautions to ensure public safety.
Bus Services to Operate Normally
Despite the bandh, bus services across Odisha are expected to operate as usual. The State Private Bus Owners' Association has clarified that it is not affiliated with any of the organizations calling for the bandh. Devendra Kumar Sahu, the association's secretary, has assured the public that bus services will continue uninterrupted, providing a sense of normalcy in the state’s transportation sector.
Public Response and Future Implications
The bandh has garnered significant attention, with many in Odisha and across India closely watching how the situation unfolds. The protests are not only a reaction to the Supreme Court's ruling but also reflect broader concerns about social justice and equity in India’s reservation policies.
As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the demands of the protestors and whether the Supreme Court's decision will be revisited. For now, Odisha is bracing for a day of protests, heightened security, and potential disruptions as the nation observes the India Bandh.
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