Badlapur sexual assault: Those who feel there is politics behind protest are abnormal, says Uddhav Thackeray; attacks CM Shinde

Shiv Sena chief criticizes Maharashtra CM for dismissing Badlapur protest as politically motivated, calls for women's safety awareness.

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday (August 22, 2024) targeted Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, saying those who feel there is politics behind Badlapur protest over the alleged sexual assault on two minor girls are either abnormal or protectors of the culprits.

Mr. Thackeray was referring to CM Shinde's claim that the protest was politically motivated and most of the protesters had come from outside.

He said there is no political motive behind the bandh called by the Opposition bloc Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) on August 24. The bandh is aimed at creating awareness that the security of women should be a priority and also awakening the government.

“He said the protest was not like the much-publicised Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, which he claimed has been rolled out keeping the upcoming Assembly polls in mind. It is the manifestation of anger,” he said.

Mr. Thackeray wondered what the use of Ladki Bahin Yojana is when sisters in the State are not safe.

“Those who feel there is politics behind the Badlapur protest are either abnormal or protectors of the culprits,” the Sena (UBT) chief said at a news conference. He also slammed the government for registering cases against the protesters.

A massive protest rocked Badlapur town in Thane district on Tuesday (August 20, 2024) after thousands of people hit the streets and spilled onto railway tracks to protest the alleged sexual assault on two four-year-old girls by a male attendant on the premises of a local school.