Uddhav Thackeray Defends Protest Against Badlapur Assault

Uddhav Thackeray, the chief of Shiv Sena (UBT), has sharply criticized Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde regarding his comments on the recent protests in Badlapur, which were sparked by the alleged sexual assault of two minor girls. During a press conference at Shiv Sena Bhavan, Thackeray dismissed Shinde's assertion that the protests were politically motivated and that many demonstrators were from outside the area. He argued that such claims indicate a lack of understanding or a defense of the accused. Thackeray emphasized that the protests, including a rail blockade, were a genuine expression of public outrage over the incident, which he described as "perverted." He stated that the protests aimed to raise awareness about women's safety and to send a strong message across Maharashtra that such acts of violence against women would not be tolerated. He called for a collective effort to ensure the security of women, asserting that the protection of sisters should be a priority for the government. Drawing parallels to other high-profile cases of sexual violence, such as the Nirbhaya and Unnao incidents, Thackeray criticized Shinde for being absent from the scene of the protests while the public expressed their anger. He urged the Chief Minister to fulfill his responsibilities and to take the matter seriously, highlighting the need for accountability and action in the face of such grave issues affecting women's safety in the state.