Uddhav Thackeray appeals to people to observe bandh across State on Saturday

Mumbai: The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) has called for a state-wide bandh on Saturday to protest against the sexual abuse of two minor girls at a school in Badlapur in Thane district. Shiv Sena (UBT) President Uddhav Thackeray on Friday addressed a press meet in this regard.

Thackeray said, “The bandh is for Sanskruti (culture) against Vikruti (perversion). It is not for politics. Parents are worried about their daughters going to school. They are not sure about their safety. We have called the bandh to raise the issue. It is against perversion in our society. Its success will be either that of perversion or culture. We should show it to the government that we are worried about the safety of women in the State.

“This bandh is for the people of Maharashtra. It is not called by the MVA but by the people. All should participate in it and observe a complete bandh. I wish that no untoward incident happens. But the DGP should play a ‘Ladki Bahin’ role and should not interfere. The police should not indulge in high-handed tactics. If the government is inefficient, the people will have to be strong. Do not put a spoke into the band, otherwise voters will reject you after two months. Local train and city bus services should remain suspended.

“Cases should be withdrawn against agitators who participated in the Badalpur protests, failing which we will agitate again. We are not against the Ladki Bahin Yojana, but women’s safety is very important. Do not test our patience.”