Bahujan Leaders Call for Bharat Bandh on Oct 30 Over Caste-Based Census Demand and Alleged EVM Manipulation

New Delhi- Vaman Meshram, National President of the Bharat Mukti Morcha, and Chaudhary Vikas Patel, President of the Rashtriya Pichhda Varga Morcha (Backward Classes) have called for a Bharat Bandh (nationwide strike) on October 30.

This strike is in protest against the government's refusal to conduct a caste-based census and ensure proportional representation for OBCs, SCs, and STs in all sectors. Additionally, it opposes alleged manipulation through Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and demands a return to the use of ballot papers. The phased movement is aimed at protecting the nation's democracy and the Constitution.

In a statement on social media, Vaman Meshram said, "We had announced in July that we would organize a BharatBandh against EVMs. On October 30, we will carry out that announcement. We call on all citizens to join the BharatBandh Against EVM to protect our democracy, Constitution, and nation."

This movement is gaining traction, with various social and political organizations supporting it. Given the rising demands of OBC, SC, and ST communities, the movement is gradually gaining momentum on a national level. The leaders have asserted that the movement will continue until their demands are met, and they plan to escalate their actions in the future.

Key Issues of the Movement

1. Demand for a Caste-Based Census

   
   The central government is being urged to conduct a caste-based census at the national level. Protesters argue that representation for OBCs, SCs, and STs should be proportionate to their actual numbers across all sectors. Additionally, they demand that the increased population of SCs and STs should result in an increase in their reservation quotas.

2. End of 50% Reservation Cap Post-EWS Quota

   
   With the implementation of the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) reservation, the 50% cap on reservations has effectively been nullified. Protesters are demanding that, until a caste-based census is conducted, the OBCs should be granted 52% reservation in line with the Mandal Commission's data.

3. Opposition to EVM Manipulation, Demand for Ballot Papers

   
   The movement is also focused on alleged electoral fraud through EVMs. The demand is to replace EVMs with ballot papers to ensure the protection of democracy and the integrity of elections.

4. Abolition of the Unconstitutional OBC Creamy Layer

   
   The movement calls for the removal of the unconstitutional creamy layer within the OBC category. It also demands the reversal of the Supreme Court's decision to implement a creamy layer within SC and ST reservations.

5. Inadequate Budget Allocations for OBC, SC, and ST Development

   
   Protesters criticize the central government for not allocating sufficient funds for the development of OBCs and for inadequate budget provisions for SC and ST welfare programs. They are demanding a significant increase in budget allocations for these communities.

6. Reservation Crisis in Bihar

   
   Following the caste-based census in Bihar, the increased reservations for OBCs, SCs, and STs were halted by the High Court, and the Supreme Court upheld this decision. Protesters are calling for Bihar’s reservation policies to be included in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution to protect them from judicial intervention.

7. Implementation of Mandal Commission Recommendations Nationwide

   
   In many states, even the 27% reservation for OBCs has not been implemented. The movement demands that the Mandal Commission's recommendations be enforced across all states, ensuring reservation proportional to the OBC population.

8. Enactment of a Reservation Implementation Act

   
   To prevent fraud and manipulation of SC, ST, and OBC reservations, protesters are calling for a Reservation Implementation Act. This law would protect the integrity of reservations for marginalized communities.

9. Extension of Reservations to the Private Sector

   
   The movement also demands the implementation of reservations in the private sector, ensuring equal opportunities for marginalized communities in all areas of employment.