The Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) staged widespread protests across Maharashtra on Saturday, braving heavy rains in several regions. They demanded stronger security for women and enforcement of the Shakti criminal laws passed in December 2021.
Congress, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Shiv Sena (UBT), and smaller allies led the protests with participation from activists, women, and citizens in major cities like Mumbai, Thane, Pune, and Nagpur. Key MVA leaders Sharad Pawar, Uddhav Thackeray, Nana Patole, and others joined the protests.
Protesters wore black bands and carried placards demanding justice for two young girls in Badlapur (Thane) and called for an end to crimes against women. They criticized the MahaYuti government and demanded resignations from Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar.
Originally planned as a shutdown, the protest shifted to a silent agitation after the Bombay High Court intervened. Thackeray stated the protest aimed to highlight the growing insecurity for women. MVA leaders also demanded swift justice for recent rape victims and the implementation of the Shakti Act.
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