Patna: During the Bharat Bandh—a nationwide strike—held in Patna, Bihar, Indian police resorted to using force, including lathi charges and water cannons, against demonstrators. The protest was organized in response to recent legal changes concerning quotas for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), triggering widespread concern among these communities.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the confrontation occurred at Dak Bungalow Chowk in Patna, where protesters, predominantly from the Bhim Army, had gathered with posters and flags. The demonstrators were advocating for the inclusion of certain quota protections under the 9th Schedule of the Indian Constitution, which they believe would safeguard these provisions from judicial scrutiny.
The protests spanned multiple districts in Bihar, including Purnea, Darbhanga, Hajipur, Jehanabad, and Nawada, reflecting broad-based support for the cause. The Bharat Bandh was initiated by the Aarakshan Bachao Sangharsh Samiti following a Supreme Court ruling that allowed states to sub-divide SC and ST categories for more targeted quotas, raising fears of dilution in the overall protection afforded to these groups.
The strike saw backing from several political entities and social organizations, indicating significant resistance against what many perceive as an undermining of rights for historically marginalized communities.