Student Protests Give MVA New Political Boost, Prakash Ambedkar Calls For Maharashtra Bandh Today

State Bureau, Mumbai | The ongoing student protests in Delhi have provided an opportunity for Maharashtra's moribund opposition parties to mobilise. Leaders like Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar are demonstrating their solidarity with the student movement at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, while Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi leader Prakash Ambedkar has called for a Maharashtra bandh on July 23.

Ambedkar, grandson of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar, had called for a Maharashtra bandh after the Bhima-Koregaon incident during the previous Fadnavis-led government, which was largely successful. Incidents of violence also occurred in many parts of the state. Government property was also damaged.

ALSO READ: Lok Sabha Speaker Approves Merger Of 6 Uddhav Sena MPs With Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena; NDA's Tally Strengthened

Now, using the student protests as a pretext, Ambedkar appears to be reining in his efforts. He has called for a Maharashtra bandh on July 23. In response to his call, the state government is also making preparations.

Ambedkar's MVA Fail In Electoral Tests

Meanwhile, Ambedkar has had no success in either the last Lok Sabha or Assembly elections. Despite failures, he is now preparing to demonstrate his strength through the student movement.

The three mainstream political parties in the state: Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) are also facing a difficult political situation. Six of the Shiv Sena (UBT)'s nine MPs recently defected to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. The possibility of 14 of the 20 MLAs also defecting at any time is being speculated. There have been speculations that the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) will join the NCP Sunetra Pawar faction, and sometimes that he will join the NDA alliance independently. However, the student movement in Delhi has now activated the leaders of both parties.

ALSO READ: First NCP Reunion, Then Entry To NDA: BJP's Clear Message To Sharad Pawar Amid Ongoing Merger Talks

Uddhav Thackeray is not seen leaving his home to campaign for his own party during the state assembly and local body elections. However, he has gone to Jantar Mantar in Delhi to express solidarity with the students. Similarly, NCP leader Sharad Pawar, who was already in Delhi to attend the Parliament session, was also seen standing with the protesters at Jantar Mantar.

Uddhav Reaches Delhi, Deploys Son Aditya In Mumbai

While Uddhav Thackeray has taken advantage of the situation and reached Delhi to further his political agenda, his son Aditya Thackeray is leading the charge in Mumbai. He has appealed to the youth who have been detained and have faced police action against the protesters in Mumbai to contact the email address issued by the party.

He has also urged lawyers associated with his party to provide free legal assistance to such students. Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar also hardened his stance, saying, "You will see retribution for the lathicharge in the coming days. We are confident that the youth will bring this government down from power."