Nagpur: The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) has called for a state-wide bandh in Maharashtra on August 24 to protest against the alleged sexual assault of two kindergarten girls at school in Badlapur. The three MVA parties — Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) and Congress — are supporting the bandh.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said that three MVA allies had met to discuss the seat-sharing plan for the upcoming assembly polls in the state but chose to discuss the law and order situation in the state instead.
Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray also urged the citizens to observe the bandh. “I appeal to all citizens, who have a sensitive mind; each of them should observe this bandh. The murderers should be taught a lesson,” a translation of Thackeray’s post on X in Marathi read.
Vijay Wadettiwar, Leader of Opposition in the State Assembly said that the MVA allies discussed the issue of women’s security in the state and the failure of the Mahayuti Government on all fronts.
What’s open and what’s not
There is no official notification with regards to the closure of schools and colleges on Saturday. Buses and metro services are also expected to function as usual. Hospitals and OPDs are also expected to function normally on the bandh day.
Grocery shops are likely to remain closed and milk supply may be impacted across the state due to the bandh, as per media reports. Banks, however, will remain shut tomorrow due to the fourth Saturday and not the state-wide shutdown announced by the MVA.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Thursday said that the CM Eknath Shinde-led state government will ensure that the bandh does not affect the day-to-day lives of people by keeping everything functional.
While attacking the opposition, Pawar said that the Bombay High Court has previously stated that such shutdown calls cannot be given. Furthermore, he said that the opposition is finding it difficult to oppose the Mahayuti Government because of the schemes announced by the state government.
