In a recent update, the Maharashtra Bandh scheduled for 24th August has been called off by Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) following a Bombay High Court ruling. Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray confirmed the news and said that they are calling off the bandh but will protest with black bands. He also said that they disagree with the court's decision.
Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole announced that MVA leaders will now demonstrate with black flags and bands from 11 am to noon on 24th August.
The court had warned that the strike could severely disrupt daily life. Opposition leaders and supporters will now hold peaceful protests with black bands around their mouths to express their dissent over the alleged sexual abuse case involving two kindergarten girls in Badlapur, Thane district.
The MVA, which includes Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP), had initially proposed a state-wide shutdown to draw attention to the Badlapur case. But, the Bombay High Court issued a statement against the bandh, and said that the bandh could disrupt daily activities and cause significant economic disruption. The court also emphasised that the proposed strike would halt many important activities that could impact the state's industrial and economic sectors.
Meanwhile public transport services, including buses and metros, will operate normally. It is because the state government does not support the bandh, no local services would be affected. It will continue without significant disruptions, ensuring smooth commuting.
However, banks throughout Maharashtra will be closed on August 24 but not because of the bandh but it falls on the fourth Saturday of the month. This closure is part of the regular banking schedule set by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), which mandates that banks be closed on the second and fourth Saturdays, as well as on Sundays and certain holidays.
The Badlapur incidentOn Tuesday, a massive protest erupted in Badlapur, Thane district, as thousands of residents took to the streets and blocked railway tracks. The demonstration was sparked by allegations that a male attendant at a local school had assaulted two four-year-old girls. The protest quickly turned violent, with clashes that included stone-pelting at the railway station and other areas of Badlapur.
