Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) chief Prakash Ambedkar has called for a statewide bandh in Maharashtra on July 23, protesting against the Centre’s education policies and the alleged police action against students and supporters during the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led agitation in New Delhi.

Addressing reporters in Mumbai on Tuesday, Ambedkar appealed to citizens, students, social organisations and political supporters across Maharashtra to participate in the bandh. He said the protest aims to draw national attention to what he described as serious shortcomings in the country’s education system and the government’s handling of recent student demonstrations.

Criticism of Education Policies

Ambedkar alleged that the Union government was discouraging education because an educated society is more aware of its rights and more likely to question those in power.

He claimed that the education system is facing multiple challenges, including alleged corruption and irregularities in competitive examinations. According to him, recent controversies have exposed deeper structural problems that require immediate government intervention.

The VBA leader said the proposed bandh is intended to demand accountability from the Centre and to highlight the concerns of students affected by examination-related issues. He maintained that education should remain transparent, accessible and free from political interference.

Questions Police Action During Delhi Protest

Ambedkar also criticised the police response to the CJP’s ‘Sansad Chalo’ march in New Delhi, alleging that excessive force was used against protesters, including students.

He claimed that law enforcement resorted to harsh measures to disperse demonstrators and alleged that pellet guns were used during the operation. According to Ambedkar, such actions are inconsistent with international human rights principles and should be independently examined.

He added that he announced the Maharashtra bandh on his own and had not consulted other political leaders before making the decision.

Background of the Delhi Demonstrations

The bandh call follows violent clashes during the CJP’s ‘Sansad Chalo’ march in Delhi, where thousands of protesters gathered to demand accountability over alleged examination irregularities and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

The march turned confrontational after police stopped protesters from moving towards Parliament, leading to clashes between demonstrators and security personnel. The incident has triggered political reactions from several opposition parties and student organisations across the country.

In Maharashtra, demonstrations have continued for a second consecutive day, with students, activists and political groups organising solidarity protests in support of the movement.

Raj Thackeray Extends Support

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray also criticised the Centre over its handling of the protests.

In a post on X, Thackeray questioned why the government continued to defend the Education Minister despite growing public criticism. He argued that instead of addressing students’ concerns, the government had responded with police action against peaceful demonstrators.

Thackeray also referred to the Centre’s handling of other national issues, including the Manipur violence, alleging that political leaders were being protected despite public criticism.

With protests expanding beyond Delhi and political parties rallying behind student concerns, the Maharashtra bandh is expected to intensify the debate over education reforms, examination transparency and the government’s response to public demonstrations.

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