Shiv Sena Leader Alleges Govt Bias in Court Against MVA Bandh

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut accused the Maharashtra government of using a favored petitioner to halt a planned bandh by the Maha Vikas Aghadi against a sexual assault incident. Despite the Bombay High Court’s restraining order, the MVA plans peaceful statewide protests.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has accused the Maharashtra government of using its 'favourite petitioner' to approach the court and halt the bandh called by the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) against the Badlapur sexual assault.

Raut told reporters that the bandh, supported by MVA partners, was set to be 100 percent successful, which could have negatively impacted the BJP-led Mahayuti government.

On Friday, the Bombay High Court restrained political parties or individuals from proceeding with a bandh in Maharashtra on August 24, or any future date, over the Badlapur school sexual assault incident. Gov't reportedly had activist and lawyer Gunaratna Sadavarte file the petition against the bandh.

'Where is democracy in the country if our voices are going to be suppressed? The bandh was a manifestation of the anger in the minds of people.' He stated it would be the court and petitioner's responsibility if such cases arise in future.

The MVA, respecting the court's order, will proceed with peaceful demonstrations across the state. The incident involved the alleged sexual abuse of two 4-year-old girls by a male school attendant in Badlapur, Thane district, triggering massive protest.

(With inputs from agencies.)