Uddhav Thackeray, the leader of Shiv Sena (UBT) and former Chief Minister of Maharashtra, has called on the people of the state to fully support a Maharashtra Bandh (shutdown) on Saturday.
This bandh is being organised by the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, which includes the Congress, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), and other allies, in response to what Thackeray describes as a growing "perverse mentality" in the state.
The bandh will begin on Saturday morning and will continue until 2 p.m., with essential services being exempted. Thackeray has urged that local trains and bus services be halted during the bandh, emphasising that the shutdown is not a political move but a collective expression of concern over the safety and security of women in the state.
He stated that recent incidents of violence against women in Maharashtra and across India have instilled fear in the minds of people, particularly regarding the safety of young girls, daughters, and women who go about their daily lives.
Thackeray highlighted the alarming rise in atrocities against women in the past ten days, which he said has shocked the public and raised serious concerns about the safety of women.
He called on heads of families, including fathers and brothers, to close their businesses, offices, and other establishments during the bandh to express their anger and register their protest against the current situation. Thackeray's appeal is for the bandh to be a voluntary act of solidarity with the victims of these heinous crimes.
The decision to limit the bandh to the morning hours, ending at 2 p.m., was made in consideration of upcoming festivals such as Janmashtami, Dahi Handi, and Ganeshotsav.
Thackeray emphasised that the timing of the bandh was chosen to ensure that people are not inconvenienced by the shutdown during these festive preparations.
Shiv Sena (UBT) Chief Spokesperson Sanjay Raut expressed confidence that the bandh would be successful, citing the deep sense of frustration and anger among the people.
He criticised the government for not allowing the police to act more decisively in addressing the rising crime rates, implying that the bandh would not have been necessary if stronger measures had been taken.
In contrast, the ruling MahaYuti government convened a meeting on Thursday to discuss the MVA's bandh call and to ensure that the situation remains under control during the shutdown.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Nitesh Rane condemned the bandh, accusing the MVA of attempting to create chaos and lawlessness. Additionally, activist-lawyer Gunratan Sadavarte demanded the arrest of Uddhav Thackeray and NCP (SP) President Sharad Pawar for organising what he deemed an illegal bandh.
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