Leaders and workers of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), consisting of the Nationalist Congress Party – Sharad Pawar (NCP-SP), Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress, staged protests across Maharashtra on Saturday. They wore black bands on their foreheads and arms in response to the Badlapur incident, where two minor girls were allegedly sexually assaulted.
Sharad Pawar expressed his concern, stating “The Badlapur incident has tarnished Maharashtra’s image across the country.” He expressed dismay that such an incident occurred in the land of Chhatrapati Shivaji, who was known for his unwavering stance against crimes targeting women, often punishing culprits by chopping off their hands, as reported by PTI.
On Friday, the Bombay High Court barred the MVA alliance from going ahead with their planned Maharashtra bandh on Saturday or any future date. The court stated that a general strike would disrupt normal life across the state.
Former Chief Minister and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray led the protest outside the Shiv Sena Bhavan in Dadar. Criticising the Eknath Shinde-led state government, Thackeray accused the ruling dispensation of shielding the accused in the case.
“We organised the bandh for the safety of our sisters and daughters, but they got scared and sent their people to the court to block it. Why is there opposition to this bandh in Maharashtra?” Thackeray asked.
He further stated that Maharashtra has never witnessed such a “shameless government” and took a dig at Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, accusing them of being more interested in tying Rakhis while crimes against women are on the rise.
Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi pointed out that atrocities against women and girls are escalating in the state, citing 12 incidents in just 10 days. “Every day, a new case under the POCSO Act is registered in Thane. We are protesting against this. After Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra is now witnessing heinous crimes. Women in Maharashtra are questioning the Shakti law,” she said.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers held counter-protests across the state, demanding a speedy trial and harsh punishment for the accused in the Badlapur case. In Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, BJP leader and State Housing Minister Atul Save called for a fast-track trial and strict justice, stating, “We will not tolerate atrocities against women.”
Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar noted that the Bombay High Court had prohibited political parties from holding a Maharashtra bandh. “Respecting the court’s decision, we have withdrawn the bandh. However, with crimes against women rising and law and order collapsing, it’s the opposition’s duty to raise its voice,” PTI quoted Wadettiwar as saying.