Maharashtra Bandh on July 23? Prakash Ambedkar Calls Statewide Shutdown Over CJP Jantar Mantar Protest in Delhi
The Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) has called for a Maharashtra Bandh on July 23 to protest the alleged lathi-charge on students during demonstrations in Delhi. VBA chief Prakash Ambedkar appealed to political parties, students and the public to support the shutdown, while opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, continued to press the Centre over the issue.
The Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) has called for a Maharashtra Bandh on July 23, protesting the alleged lathi-charge on students during demonstrations in Delhi. VBA chief Prakash Ambedkar appealed to political parties, students and members of the public to support the statewide shutdown, describing the police action against Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protesters as "inhuman."
The bandh call comes amid growing political reactions to the police crackdown on student protesters in the national capital. Several opposition leaders have extended support to the students, demanding accountability from the Union government over the handling of the demonstrations.
Prakash Ambedkar Calls Maharashtra Bandh Over CJP Jantar Mantar Protest
In light of the brutal attack and lathi-charge on students protesting peacefully in Delhi yesterday, Vanchit Bahujan Aaghadi has called for a 'Maharashtra Bandh' on July 23 in support of the students and in protest against the police brutality.
I appeal to all the like-minded…
— Prakash Ambedkar (@Prksh_Ambedkar) July 21, 2026
VBA Calls for Statewide Shutdown
Announcing the bandh, Prakash Ambedkar urged people across Maharashtra to participate in the protest. "I appeal to all like-minded parties, students and people from all walks of life to come together and support the Maharashtra Bandh on July 23," Ambedkar said.
He said the shutdown was being organised in solidarity with students who were protesting in Delhi over their demands.
Prakash Ambedkar Extends Support to Student Protesters
Earlier, Ambedkar met student leader Abhijit Dipke at Jantar Mantar and expressed support for the students' demands. He also reiterated his demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the issue.
On July 16, Ambedkar had also met climate and education activist Sonam Wangchuk at Jantar Mantar, where Wangchuk was observing an indefinite hunger strike. During the meeting, Ambedkar said it was a "constitutional responsibility and a moral imperative" for the government to initiate dialogue with Wangchuk.
He criticised the Centre for ignoring what he described as an internationally recognised innovator and said refusing to engage with him raised serious questions for Indian democracy.
Congress Steps Up Pressure on Centre
Meanwhile, in New Delhi, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to discuss the reported lathi-charge on student protesters.
Later, Gandhi joined Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh and other party leaders in a protest outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence.
The Congress said the demonstration was organised in support of the students and to demand accountability over the alleged police action.
The political protests follow clashes during a student march in Delhi, where demonstrators were demanding action over examination-related issues and education reforms. The incident has drawn responses from several opposition parties, with leaders continuing to raise the matter inside and outside Parliament.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 21, 2026 09:18 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
