Maharashtra Bandh on July 23: Prakash Ambedkar Backs CJP Students, Calls Police Action ‘Inhuman’… Opposition Steps Up Pressure

Maharashtra to Observe Statewide Bandh in Support of CJP Protesters

Mumbai/New Delhi: Maharashtra is set to witness a statewide bandh on July 23 after the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) announced a shutdown in support of Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protesters who have been demonstrating in New Delhi over their demands. The decision comes amid growing political outrage following allegations of a police lathi-charge on students participating in the protest.

The bandh call was made by VBA chief Prakash Ambedkar, who strongly criticised the police action, describing it as “inhuman” and expressing solidarity with the protesting students. He appealed to citizens, students, and political organisations across Maharashtra to participate in the shutdown and stand behind the demonstrators.

Prakash Ambedkar Appeals for Public Support

Addressing supporters, Prakash Ambedkar urged people from different sections of society to unite in support of the students. According to him, the alleged use of force against peaceful protesters raises serious concerns about democratic rights and the treatment of citizens exercising their right to protest.

Ambedkar said the bandh is intended to send a strong message that public voices should be heard through dialogue rather than force. He called upon political parties and educational communities to extend their support to the statewide protest.

Meeting With Student Leaders at Jantar Mantar

Ahead of the bandh announcement, Ambedkar met student leader Abhijit Dipke at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, where he reiterated his support for the students’ demands. During the interaction, he also demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, holding the ministry accountable for the situation surrounding the ongoing agitation.

The meeting further highlighted VBA’s decision to actively support the student movement beyond Maharashtra, positioning the party alongside groups demanding greater attention to educational concerns.

Support for Sonam Wangchuk’s Hunger Strike

The latest development also follows Ambedkar’s recent visit to activist Sonam Wangchuk during his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar earlier this month.

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During the meeting, Ambedkar stressed that engaging with Wangchuk was not merely a political choice but a constitutional and moral responsibility. He criticised the government’s approach, arguing that ignoring an internationally recognised innovator and social activist sends the wrong message about democratic values and public engagement.

Opposition Leaders Intensify Protest in Delhi

The political atmosphere in the national capital also witnessed fresh demonstrations as Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, along with Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and several opposition leaders, protested outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s residence.

The protest saw intervention by the Delhi Police, who detained several opposition leaders, including Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, while attempting to disperse the gathering.

Speaking after being removed from the protest site, Yadav accused the Centre of failing to address the concerns raised by the students and alleged that the government was avoiding meaningful dialogue on the issue.

Political Tensions Continue to Rise

With Maharashtra preparing for a bandh and opposition parties rallying behind the protesting students, the issue has now evolved into a larger political confrontation. While the VBA has framed the shutdown as a demonstration of solidarity and democratic support, the developments are expected to keep the spotlight on the government’s handling of student protests and public dissent.

As political parties continue to exchange criticism, attention now turns to whether further dialogue or policy decisions will emerge in response to the growing nationwide pressure.