Bharat Bandh: Security increased in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, ahead of the protest call by BSP and Bhim Sena
Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh), August 21 : Security has been heightened in Gwalior district ahead of a protest rally organized by the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and Bhim Sena in response to the Supreme Court's recent ruling on reservations.
The Reservation Bachao Sangharsh Samiti has called for a Bharat Bandh on August 21 to protest against the Supreme Court's decision allowing sub-classification within reservation categories for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
In preparation, the district administration and police are on high alert. Police personnel are patrolling, barricades have been erected, and drone cameras are being used for surveillance.
Gwalior Superintendent of Police (SP) Dharmaveer Singh informed ANI, "In response to the 'Bharat Bandh' call, Gwalior police have been patrolling since 6 am today. We have set up over 150 barricades for security, and all police officials, including CSP and Additional SP, are actively monitoring the situation."
"The protest is primarily organized by the BSP and Bhim Sena. We are in constant contact with both senior and junior members of these organizations. The planned protest will proceed as discussed in meetings, and we have measures in place to address any disturbances," SP Singh added.
The organizations plan to submit a memorandum, and markets are expected to remain open. There is no official call for a market shutdown. However, strict action will be taken against anyone attempting to forcibly close markets.
"We are coordinating with the office-bearers of these organizations and have granted the necessary permissions. We are monitoring their activities with drone cameras and keeping anti-social elements under surveillance," Singh stated.
Cyber police and social media teams are also monitoring digital platforms for any posts that may disrupt social harmony. Notices have been issued warning that FIRs will be filed against individuals who share such posts.
The Bharat Bandh is in response to the Supreme Court's August 1 ruling, which allows states to sub-classify SCs and STs and mandates that the adequacy of representation be assessed based on effective, not just quantitative, representation.