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The article details a silent protest led by NCP chief Sharad Pawar in response to the sexual assault of two minor girls in a Badlapur school. Pawar, condemning the Mahayuti government's inaction on rising crimes against women, called for a collective vow to fight against such violence. He criticized the ruling alliance's insensitive response, calling their attempts to label the protest as politically motivated a sign of their disregard for women's safety. This incident comes amidst the ruling party's efforts to attract women voters through initiatives like the 'Majhi Ladki Bahin' scheme, highlighting the stark contrast between promises and reality.
The protest saw participants wearing black bands over their mouths and reciting the bhajan of Mahatma Gandhi, 'Raghupati Raghav Rajaram, Sabko samati de bhagwan.' This silent demonstration underscores the gravity of the situation and the widespread anger and concern over the lack of protection for women and girls. The protest was part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi's (MVA) response to the incident, after withdrawing their earlier call for a Maharashtra bandh which was deemed unconstitutional by the Bombay High Court.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in ensuring women's safety in India. While the ruling government boasts of its commitment to women's empowerment, the reality on the ground paints a different picture. The increasing number of crimes against women highlights the need for stronger measures to address the root causes of such violence. The protest, led by a prominent political figure like Sharad Pawar, signifies the growing demand for accountability and action from those in power.
Source: Badlapur school sexual abuse: At silent protest, Sharad Pawar vows to fight for women’s safety