New Delhi: The three-party Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance of NCP, Shiv Sena and Congress called for a statewide bandh on Monday to protest the Lakhimpur Kheri violence that claimed 8 lives, including 4 farmers.
Maharashtra Retail Traders Association has announced to keep all shops closed till 4 pm in support of the statewide bandh. Federation of Trade Associations of Pune (FTAP) President Fatechchand Ranka said that all shops except essential commodities will remain closed till 3 pm on Monday.
Rohan Ursal, Secretary, Shree Chhatrapati Shivaji Market Yard, said, “Over 2,000 traders dealing in fruits, vegetables, flowers, grains, onions and potatoes etc. supported the bandh to show solidarity with the farmers who play a vital role in their area. will do.” The Edet (Traders) Association was quoted by PTI in its report.
Earlier on October 6, during the state cabinet meeting, Water Resources Minister Jayant Patil had proposed to express condolences and solidarity for the untimely death of farmers in the Lakhimpur Kheri violence in Uttar Pradesh. According to the ANI report, Revenue Minister Balasaheb Thorat and Industries Minister and senior Shiv Sena leaders Subhash Desai supported the proposal.
BJP Opposes Maharashtra Bandh:
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has criticized the statewide bandh. BJP leader of opposition Devendra Fadnavis said that the ruling party is politicizing the Lakhimpur Kheri incident.
BJP MLA Nitesh Rane has warned the state government not to forcibly close the shop. “If shopkeepers are forced to close shops tomorrow.. then they will have to face BJP workers! Police should ensure that no one is forced otherwise there will be law and order situation which is not our responsibility is,” he tweeted.
If the shopkeepers are “forced” by any of the MVA workers to close the shops to Tom.. then they will have to face the BJP workers!
Police should ensure that no one is forced or else there will be law and order situation which is not our responsibility!! @BJP4Maharashtra— Nitesh Rane (@NiteshNRane) 10 October 2021
Farmer leaders alleged that Union Minister of State for Home Ajay Mishra’s son was in an SUV which allegedly crushed the protesters.
(with inputs from agencies)
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