Silence pervaded the otherwise buzzing streets in the Maharashtra capital today as the ruling coalition government of Congress, Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) called for a bandh (strike) in its protest against the violence in Uttar Pradesh’s Lakhimpur Kheri district.
The clashes between BJP leaders and the farmers protesting against the farm laws claimed the lives of eight persons including four farmers, two BJP workers, a driver and a journalist who was covering the clashes.
Also Read: Accused Ashish Mishra arrested in Lakhimpur Kheri violence case
Along with the closure of shops, government offices, and public places, the BEST (Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport) bus services also remain unavailable for the commuters today. The bus services were suspended after isolated incidents of stone pelting were reported from the city. Also, it is reported that eight BEST buses were vandalised on the night of October 10-October 11.
Apart from government offices, the APMC (agricultural produce marketing committee) in Pune and Asia’s biggest onion market — Nashik’s Lasalgaon wore a deserted look in solidarity with the bandh.
NCP leader Nawab Malik also led a procession in Mumbai which witnessed sloganeering and demands calling for the resignation of the Union Minister of State of Home Affair Ajay Mishra, whose son Ashish is accused of murder and conspiracy in the Lakhimpur violence.
The NCP leader also appealed to the public not to indulge in acts of violence while protesting as he referred to the incidents of vandalism of BEST buses and stone pelting.
“There are reports about stone pelting at some places, which is not right. No one should indulge in such activities,” Malik was quoted.
Also, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut highlighted today that the Maharashtra coalition government is crusading for the rights of the cultivators across the country.
Talking about the alleged attempts by the BJP-led traders association to protest and some opposition leaders threatening to scuttle the bandh, Raut was quoted, “I dare them to come out in the street and declare their stand. If anybody tries to counter the band they will face the ramifications.”
