Maharashtra Bandh 2024: What’s open, what’s closed? Here is everything you should know!

The Maharashtra Vasily Assad (MVA) has announced a “Maharashtra Strike” tomorrow in response to the sexual assault of two 4-year-old girls by school staff. The strike aims to seek justice for the victims and ensure the safety of children in schools. As a result, many institutions and businesses will remain closed and public transport may also be affected.

Find out what’s open and what’s closed:

  • Although the Maharashtra government has not announced or declared any specific guidelines for the strike, essential services such as hospitals and pharmacies are expected to remain open.
  • Citizens are advised to stay informed and plan accordingly for any disruptions to their daily lives.
  • Likewise, public transport will be open but there may be delays or disruptions so it is recommended to allow extra time for travel.
  • Residents must stay updated on the latest developments through local news sources and official government channels.
  • As today is the fourth Saturday of every month, banks will remain closed.
  • The RBI rules require banks to remain closed on second and fourth Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays and local holidays.

Why is August 24 a strike in Maharashtra?

Last week, a school cleaner raped two girls under the age of 4 in Badlapur, Thane district. The girls were taken to hospital for treatment and the suspect has been arrested.

This has sparked outrage in the local community, with many demanding justice and for the school to take stricter safety measures to prevent it from happening again.

A massive protest was held at the Badlapur railway station where demonstrators threw stones at the police. As a result, many political parties have come out to support the issue and participate in the Maharashtra strike on August 24, 2024.

Maharashtra Strike 2024: MVA allies call for state-wide protest on August 24

The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance comprising the Congress, Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) and Sharad Pawar-led SP has called for a strike in Maharashtra on August 24, 2024, in response to the Bhadrapur incident.

Key leaders of the union expressed their concerns and reasons for joining the strike:

  • Sanjay Raut (Shiv Sena UBT): “The people of Maharashtra are very angry and have filed a case against the protesters. On August 24, the Maharashtra Armed Forces will call a strike over the Bhadrapur incident.”
  • Jitendra Awad (NCP-SCP): “This government is unconstitutional. With criminal activities increasing, the Maharashtra strike is necessary.”
  • Balasaheb Thorat (Congress): “Due to the seriousness of the Bhadrapur incident, we have called for a strike on August 24.”

The MVA aims to mobilise the people of Maharashtra to express their discontent over the current state of governance and the rise in criminal activities across the state.