Mumbai: The horrific incident of abuse against two children in Badlapur has deeply tarnished Maharashtra's image. The school where the incident occurred, allegedly linked to BJP and RSS, is under scrutiny for attempting to suppress the case. Reports suggest that the school's CCTV footage has gone missing. In response, the Mahavikas Aghadi (MVA) has called for a Maharashtra Bandh on August 24, urging the public to participate in large numbers, according to Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee President Nana Patole.

This incident has once again highlighted the serious issue of women's and children's safety in the state. In a meeting today, MVA leaders, including Congress President Nana Patole, Congress Legislative Party leader Balasaheb Thorat, Opposition Leader Vijay Wadettiwar, and others, discussed the rising incidents of violence against women, deciding to cancel the planned discussions on seat sharing in favor of addressing these critical issues.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, Nana Patole expressed outrage over the Badlapur incident, accusing the BJP-led government of being intoxicated with power while neglecting the safety of women and children. He criticized the government's priorities, stating that while grand events are organized under the guise of initiatives like the "Ladki Bahan" scheme, genuine safety concerns are ignored. Patole also raised concerns about the police's role, highlighting that the mother of one of the victims was made to wait for hours at the police station before her complaint was registered.

Despite public protests demanding justice for the victims, there have been efforts to suppress the movement. Patole condemned the BJP-led government as ineffective and corrupt, calling the Maharashtra Bandh a necessary step to awaken the administration. All MVA constituents will participate in the bandh, and Patole urged doctors, lawyers, and parents to join the protest in solidarity with the victims' families.