Sharad Pawar Leads Pune Protest Despite Heavy Rain, Condemns Rising Crimes Against Women

Pune, 24th August 2024: In response to the alarming increase in serious offences against women across regions like Badlapur and Kolhapur, the Mahavikas Aghadi called for a Maharashtra Bandh. However, the Bombay High Court denied permission for the Bandh, prompting senior leader Sharad Pawar to organize a silent march in Pune. This morning, Pawar himself joined the protest at the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Statue near Pune Railway Station, braving heavy rain. Despite the downpour, neither office bearers nor activists were deterred, and the Maharashtra State Government faced heavy criticism during the protest.

The crime incident in Badlapur has sparked widespread outrage across Maharashtra. Opposition parties had called for a Maharashtra Bandh today in protest. However, Adv. Gunaratna Sadavarte challenged the bandh in the Bombay High Court, arguing that it would lead to punitive actions against political parties. The court ruled against enforcing the shutdown, leading to the silent march despite the adverse weather conditions.

During the protest, Sharad Pawar remarked, In this protest, Sharad Pawar said, “The incident in Badlapur is very disturbing. The authorities are unaware of the gravity of the situation. They should take action on this incident. Not a day goes by in Maharashtra without news of abuse occurring somewhere. The government should seriously address what has happened so far. I am saddened by one thing: the rulers claim that the opposition is politicizing this incident. This reflects how insensitive the rulers are.”