Maharashtra Bandh: Normal life remains affected in Mumbai and other districts of Maharashtra as shops remain closed and buses remain off the roads in view of the state-wide bandh called by the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi government. As buses of the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST- the transport undertaking of the city civic body) and many of the traditional ‘black-yellow cabs’ remained off roads, there were huge crowds on suburban railway stations to commute by local trains, which were running as per schedule. In the morning, shops and other commercial establishments, barring those engaged in selling essential items, remained closed in Mumbai.
While the BEST bus services were affected in the wake of the bandh, the local trains, considered as the lifeline of Mumbai, were operating normally, but running packed as road commuters shifted to suburban rail services. “Our services are running as per schedule,” Shivaji Sutar, chief public relations officer of the Central Railway, told PTI. Most of the black-yellow cabs and auto-rickshaws were off roads in the metropolis, as per transport union leaders.
First time in history of independent India, those who have the responsibility of running law & order decide in the cabinet meeting for bandh. Earlier SC & Bombay HC had banned such bandhs&fined Shiv Sena. We demand that HC takes cognizance of it: Maharashtra LoP Devendra Fadnavis
Criticising the MVA government's call for a state-wide bandh, BJP MLA Advocate Ashish Shelars stated, "the bandh in Maharashtra was opposed by farmers, students, traders and the citizens, but the alliance government forcibly imposed it on them."
"While the people were opposing the bandh, it was the government officials who were trying to create fear in their minds," Shelar added.
All shops, hotels and market places, which are usually crowded with vegetable vendors and hawkers, are shut in Dadar (east) except chemists. While taxis are plying as normal, the area is less crowded than usual.
Maha Vikas Aghadi has been exposed. This govt calls bandh over the Lakhimpur incident, but nothing is done for farmers from the state. Over 2,000 farmers have died by suicide since this (MVA) govt came to power: Devendra Fadnavis
People are supporting the bandh. No action has been taken against the Union minister and his son who were involved in the Lakhimpur Kheri violence. BJP is anti-farmer and wants to crush them: Maharashtra Minister & NCP leader Jayant Patil in Mumbai
Shiv Sena activists have been aggressively protesting across Mumbai and several parts of Maharashtra, including Ahmednagar, Aurangabad, Kolhapur, Solapur, and Nagpur, in support of the bandh.
Eight BEST buses and one leased bus were vandalized between midnight yesterday and this morning. The incidents took place in Dharavi, Mankhurd, Shivaji Nagar, Charkop, Oshiwara, Deonar and Inorbit Mall.
BEST's management has called for police protection. Buses will resume operations from all depots after reviewing the situation.
Bandh is being followed peacefully across the state. If some people have damaged BEST buses, we will take information as to who has done it and was it to bring a bad name of the peaceful bandh: Jayant Patil
MVA's call for bandh today against killings in Lakhimpur Kheri (in UP) has received support from Left & some other parties and trade unions. The bandh is being observed peacefully across Maharashtra with widespread public support: State Minister & NCP leader Nawab Malik in Mumbai
The Maharashtra BJP Traders Association in a statement issued on Monday said, "The traders have gone through very difficult times due to Covid 19 pandemic. They incurred huge financial loss due to Covid-19 lockdown for last one year. The MVA government has not announced any financial package or incentives to help the traders." Instead, "the MVA government now gave a clarion call to the traders to participate in bandh, which is shocking."
Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut says Maharashtra bandh called by Maha Vikas Aghadi government is successful.
Federation of Retail Traders welfare Association after request from Shiv Sena and other party leaders, have decided to keep shops close till 4 pm in support of bandh call by Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi government: FRTWA president Viren Shah
Only four BEST buses are plying on the roads in Mumbai, remaining buses continue to be at the depots.
“Federation of Retail Traders Welfare Association after a request of Shivsena and other party leaders have decided to keep shop close till 4 pm in support of bandh call by Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi government in protest of the killing of farmers,” said FRTWA president Viren Shah.