MVA Withdraws Maharashtra Bandh Over Sexual Abuse Case Amidst Controversy

Uddhav Thackeray voiced his disagreement with a Bombay High Court order restricting political parties from calling a bandh. Despite this, the MVA has rescinded its proposed Maharashtra bandh on August 24 due to the court's ruling but plans to protest against the Mahayuti government with symbolic black bands.

Uddhav Thackeray, chief of Shiv Sena (UBT), voiced his discontent with the Bombay High Court's order that restrains political parties from organizing a bandh. However, he confirmed that the opposition bloc Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) has called off its proposed Maharashtra shutdown on August 24 over a sexual abuse case in a school.

Speaking at a press conference, Thackeray announced that despite canceling the bandh, leaders and workers from opposition parties will protest against the Mahayuti government. The protest, slated across the state, will involve participants wearing black bands over their mouths.

Earlier, the Bombay High Court had barred political parties and individuals from initiating a Maharashtra bandh on August 24 or any future date, citing the potential paralysis of normal life and economic losses. The MVA had previously planned the shutdown to protest the alleged sexual assault of two kindergarten girls in Thane district.