MVA Calls Maharashtra Bandh Over Badlapur School Assault

The opposition alliance Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) has announced a statewide bandh on August 24 to protest against the alleged sexual assault of two young girls at a school in Badlapur, Thane district. MVA, which includes Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP (SP), cites government failure in women's security.

The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) has declared a 'Maharashtra bandh' on August 24, aiming to protest the alleged sexual assault of two young girls in a Badlapur school, located in the Thane district.

After a meeting, MVA allies—comprising Congress, Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), and Sharad Pawar's NCP (SP)—decided unanimously to support the bandh, stated Vijay Wadettiwar, leader of opposition in the state assembly. He emphasized that all MVA affiliates would participate.

Mumbai Congress president Varsha Gaikwad led a protest outside Mantralaya, the state secretariat. Joined by Wadettiwar and other Congress leaders, protesters denounced the government's delayed response to the case. The police have detained an attendant from the school, accused of abusing two kindergarten students, according to officials.