Maharashtra Bandh On August 24: Key Services Likely To Be Disrupted—What You Need to Know
Maharashtra Bandh On August 24: Key Services Likely To Be Disrupted—What You Need to Know
In response to the recent atrocities against two young girls in Badlapur, the Mahavikas Aghadi has called for a bandh (shutdown), as announced by Uddhav Thackeray during a press conference. Thackeray clarified the nature and duration of the bandh, emphasizing that it is a protest against societal decay and not for any political gain.
Shops and Public Transport: While there is a possibility that shops, buses, and rail services may be affected during the bandh, the Maharashtra government has not officially supported the strike, so public transportation is likely to operate as normal.
Hospitals: No official statement has been made regarding the closure of hospitals, so both outpatient departments (OPDs) and hospitals are expected to remain open.
Schools and Colleges: The government has not issued any directives to close educational institutions. Therefore, schools and colleges are anticipated to stay open unless they are typically closed on Saturdays.
Banks: Banks will be closed on August 24 because it is the fourth Saturday of the month. According to Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines, banks do not operate on the second and fourth Saturdays, Sundays, and on both national and regional holidays.
The bandh, he stated, would be stringent, but essential services like newspapers, fire services, and healthcare would remain operational. Thackeray acknowledged the festive season, mentioning Ganesh Chaturthi and the upcoming Dahi Handi celebrations, urging people to observe the bandh until 2 PM to allow for festive preparations. “Let the government say what it wants; I am speaking on behalf of the people,” Thackeray remarked.
“This is an immediate concern. The unrest across the state is evident, and I speak to the public through you (the media). This bandh is not politically motivated but is a fight between morality and immorality,” said Thackeray. He highlighted the growing anxiety among parents about the safety of their children in schools and workplaces, stating, “Parents wonder if their daughters will be safe at school. Will mothers and sisters feel secure at workplaces and hospitals? This bandh is to voice this unease.”
Thackeray emphasized that the shutdown is against societal ills. “We are opposed to depravity. This is why we are calling for a bandh. The bandh will be like previous ones, involving all citizens, regardless of caste, creed, or religion. Everyone should join this cause, as it is a social issue,” he added.
When asked if the bandh was politically motivated, Thackeray responded, “The High Court took suo-motu cognizance of this matter. Is that politically motivated? The High Court’s criticism of the state government—was that also politically driven?” He questioned the allegations, emphasizing that expressing public sentiment should not be confined only to elections but should also be shown when necessary.
Thackeray concluded by stating, “If the High Court can take suo-motu cognizance, why can’t the public express its outrage? The public’s court is different. We are opening doors to make the authorities aware of their responsibilities. The success or failure of tomorrow’s bandh should not be measured politically. It is a fight between morality and immorality, and its success will be a reflection of that struggle.”
