The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition has called for a statewide bandh in Maharashtra on August 24, 2024, to protest a disturbing incident in which two young girls were allegedly sexually assaulted at a school in Badlapur, Thane district. The bandh decision came after a crucial meeting that also discussed preparations for the upcoming assembly elections.

Support for the Bandh
The bandh has received backing from key MVA allies, including the Congress, the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) faction led by Sharad Pawar. Leaders of these parties have voiced their support for the bandh, citing the seriousness of the situation.

A Shiv Sena (UBT) leader expressed deep concern, saying, "The people of Maharashtra are angry over the incident, and protests have already led to FIRs being filed. On August 24, the MVA will hold a Maharashtra Bandh as a mark of protest against what happened in Badlapur."

Similarly, an NCP leader stressed the need for the bandh, stating, "With the increasing criminal activities in the state, this bandh is essential to raise awareness and demand justice." Another prominent Congress leader also underscored the severity of the incident, reiterating the need for the bandh.

What Will Be Open and Closed?
While the bandh is likely to impact various parts of the state, the government has not issued any official notifications regarding the closure of schools and colleges. As such, these institutions are expected to remain open, although those that are typically closed on Saturdays will follow their usual schedule.

Regarding public transportation, despite the opposition's call for the bandh, the government has not lent its support. Therefore, buses and metro services are expected to function normally throughout the day.

As for banking services, August 24 falls on the fourth Saturday of the month, which means banks across the country will remain closed in accordance with Reserve Bank of India (RBI) regulations. These rules dictate that banks close on the second and fourth Saturdays, in addition to Sundays, national holidays, and regional holidays.

The Badlapur Case: A Catalyst for Outrage
The Maharashtra Bandh comes in response to an incident in Badlapur that has sparked widespread public outrage. On August 17, law enforcement authorities apprehended a school attendant who allegedly sexually abused two minor girls. The situation led to a massive protest at Badlapur Railway Station, with demonstrators pelting stones at the police. In response, Maharashtra Police detained over 40 individuals and filed charges against 300 protesters for engaging in violent activities, such as stone-pelting and disrupting train services.

Bharat Bandh on August 21
Prior to the Maharashtra Bandh, a nationwide Bharat Bandh was organized on August 21 by 21 different organizations. This bandh was a response to a recent Supreme Court ruling from August 1, which granted states the constitutional authority to create sub-classifications within Scheduled Castes (SCs) to provide targeted reservations for castes that are more socially and educationally disadvantaged.

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