Traffic was halted in many parts of Maharashtra on October 11, 2021 in line with the state-wide Bandh call given by the ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance to condemn the October 3 deaths of protesting farmers and local journalist Raman Kashyap in Lakhimpur Kheri. Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress parties came together on Monday to shut all modes of transport and shops. Many regions also observed memorials to honour the martyrs.
In support of Maharashtra bandh
under the leadership of Mumbai Youth Congress President MLA @zeeshan_iyc ji Mumbai North-Central District vice president shams khan organised a Maun vrat program in Solidarity with brutal killings of farmers in Lakhimpur kheri Uttar Pradesh pic.twitter.com/IGnzsgW26C— Mumbai Youth Congress (@IYC_Mumbai) October 11, 2021
In line with the farmers group Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) demands, the Bandh demanded the immediate dismissal and arrest of Minister of State for Home Affairs Ajay Mishra and other people accused in the road rage and shooting incident.
लखीमपूर येथे शेतकऱ्यांवर झालेल्या अत्याचारा विरोधात निषेध करण्यासाठी व भाजपच्या दडपशाही विरोधात महाविकास आघाडीने पुकारलेल्या #MaharashtraBandh च्या समर्थनार्थ मुंबईतील हुतात्मा स्मारक येथे उपस्थित राहिलो. हल्ल्यात मृत्युमुखी पडलेल्या शेतकरी बांधवांना भावपूर्ण आदरांजली अर्पण केली. pic.twitter.com/Rl7TifeAAu
— Jayant Patil- जयंत पाटील (@Jayant_R_Patil) October 11, 2021
Other parties like the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) also joined the Bandh to show solidarity with farmers.
In solidarity with our #Farmers ✊#MaharashtraBandh #महाराष्ट्रबंद pic.twitter.com/rF0gKTamfP
— AAP महाराष्ट्र (@AAPMaharashtra) October 11, 2021
Many areas like the main road of Lower Parel Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar road were blocked by Shiv Sena workers. Shops and other commercial areas were closed in Pune. Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut called the Bandh “100 percent successful” since many buses, taxis and autorickshaw drivers joined the protest.
However, there were also reports of vandalism amidst the solidarity event. As many as eight BEST buses were damaged by Monday, including a leased one. These buses were located in Dharavi, Mankhurd, Shivaji Nagar, Charkop, Oshiwara, Deonar, InOrbit mall where the Bandh began from midnight.
Similarly, while many shopkeepers agreed to close their shops for half the day, they criticised the call for the Bandh shortly after Covid-lockdowns that had already affected sales.
While local trains in Mumbai continued to run, many residents complained about the abruptness of the Bandh that hindered daily commute. The Times of India also circulated a video wherein Thane autorickshaw drivers were threatened by Shiv Sena workers with sticks.
The Opposition criticised the state government for this “state-sponsored bandh.” However, Irrigation Minister Jayant Patil reiterated that the Bandh was called by the political alliance and not the administration.
Related:
Lakhimpur Kheri: Accused Ashish Mishra arrested on Saturday
Lakhimpur Kheri farmer deaths: SKM announces a slew of protests from Oct 12
We are not satisfied with UP Government’s actions: SC on Lakhimpur Kheri incident
MVA announces Maharashtra Bandh demanding justice for Lakhimpur Kheri victims