Patna

On Wednesday, during the Bharat Bandh, Patna Police used baton charges against protestors, who were reportedly members of the Bhim Army. The confrontation took place at Dak Bungalow Chowk, where a large group had gathered with posters and flags to protest. To control the crowd, police deployed lathi charges and water cannons.

In Purnea, Independent MP Rajesh Ranjan, also known as Pappu Yadav, supported the protests, advocating for the inclusion of quotas in the 9th Schedule of the Indian Constitution to ensure additional protection for these provisions.

The protests, which were also reported in Darbhanga, Hajipur, Jehanabad, Nawada, and other Bihar districts, were organized by the Aarakshan Bachao Sangharsh Samiti in response to a recent Supreme Court ruling on quota within quota. This ruling, suggesting that state governments could further categorize SCs and STs and create separate quotas for more backward communities, has sparked widespread controversy and concern about potential fragmentation of rights.

The Bharat Bandh, aimed at defending the rights of SCs and STs, received backing from various INDIA bloc partners, including Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP), and social organizations like Bhim Army.

Earlier, protestors disrupted train services at Darbhanga railway station, blocking the Darbhanga-New Delhi Bihar Sampark Kranti Superfast train and climbing onto the engine. They also blocked National Highway 83 in Jahanabad, burning tyres and causing significant disruption. The district police used mild baton charges to disperse the crowd, as the protests continued to impact daily life across multiple cities, including Patna.