In response to the horrific sexual assault of two minor girls in Badlapur, Maharashtra, opposition parties led by the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) have intensified their protests. Following Tuesday’s massive demonstrations, the MVA has now called for a statewide Maharashtra Bandh on Saturday, August 24, as announced by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut.
Raut expressed the urgency of the situation, stating, “We were initially scheduled to discuss seat-sharing for the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections. However, the alarming law and order situation in the state, particularly after the Badlapur incident, took precedence. The people of Maharashtra are outraged, and FIRs have been filed against those who protested. As a result, we have decided to call for a Maharashtra Bandh on August 24.”
The announcement was also made by Raut on his X handle in Marathi, affirming, “MVA has decided. It is Maharashtra Bandh on August 24.”
Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray strongly criticized the Maharashtra government’s inadequate response to the brutal sexual abuse case. Thackeray condemned the government for its typical yet unacceptable reaction to the protests, particularly the police lathi charge on demonstrators, which he deemed outrageous.
In solidarity with the cause, NCP (SCP) MP Supriya Sule, along with party workers, staged a protest against the Maharashtra government, highlighting the increasing crime rates in the state. Sule stated, “The crime in Maharashtra is rising. It is not me saying this, but the government’s own data.”
As the situation in Maharashtra escalates, the MVA’s call for a bandh aims to pressure the state government into taking more stringent action and ensuring justice for the victims of the Badlapur incident.
