Uddhav Thackeray, the head of Shiv Sena (UBT) lashed out at Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday. He termed those who view the Badlapur protest against alleged rape cases involving two minor girls as either abnormal or defenders of wrongdoers.
This is what Mr. Thackeray was referring to when he mentioned CM Shinde’s remark that the protest was based on politics and it was spearheaded by external players.
On 24th August, Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), an Opposition bloc demanded a bandh without any political motive. The main aim of this bandh is to create awareness that women security should be given priority and also wake up the government.
“There was nothing like Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana that has been launched for upcoming Assembly polls,” he said. “It is all anger.”
Mr. Thackeray asked why Ladki Bahin Yojana makes sense if sisters in the State are not safe.
According to Sena (UBT) chief, Uddhav Thackeray, during a news conference: “Those who feel there is politics behind the Badlapur protest are either abnormal or protectors of the culprits.” He condemned the State Government for being too harsh with the protesters.
On Tuesday morning, thousands of people took part in a massive demonstration in Badlapur town in Thane district that spilled on to railway tracks following allegations that two four-year-old girls were sexually assaulted by a male attendant within school premises.
The violence saw at least 25 policemen injured from stone-throwing incidents at the railway station and other parts of Badlapur during protests. Seventy-two persons have been arrested by police concerning riot-related incidents during the agitation period.
The CM, Eknath Shinde called it politically motivated. While most protestors were outsiders; and, the MVA has decided on a Maharashtra bandh for 24th August against rape of two girls.
Mr. Thackeray accused the government of handling the sexual assault case in a very insensitive manner and further criticized it over delayed FIR filings. According to him, ‘one of the girls’ pregnant mother waited for hours. And where was CM Shinde when all these were happening?
