&imwidth=800&imheight=600&format=webp&quality=medium "Maharashtra Bandh call on July 23: What all you need to know")
Mumbai: A political party in India’s western state of Maharashtra has called for a statewide shutdown, or bandh, on Wednesday (July 23), raising concerns about possible disruptions to transport, businesses and daily life.
The call comes amid growing protests over the alleged irregularities in India’s NEET medical entrance examination and police action against demonstrators in New Delhi.
Who has called the bandh?
The bandh has been announced by the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA), a regional political party led by Prakash Ambedkar, the grandson of India’s Constitution architect B.R. Ambedkar.
Also Read: ‘Oppn using students as political tools, creating ‘manufactured sense of anger’: Rajnath Singh
The party has urged opposition groups, student organisations, labour unions and the public to participate in what it describes as a peaceful protest across Maharashtra.
Trending Stories
)
Dharmendra Pradhan's 1997 paper leak protest surfaces amid calls for resignation
)
Trump announces 200% tariff on generic drugs: Here's what it means for 'Pharmacy of the World' India
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 batters with most runs in India vs Zimbabwe T20Is
)
'Is that a back-up Trump?' Mysterious look-alike standing behind Donald Trump baffles netizens
)
US-Iran war cost hits $37.5 billion as Hegseth seeks $67 billion more for Pentagon
)
Sonam Wangchuk's connection with George Soros and Ford Foundation explained!
)
UP BTech gold medalist dies by suicide after failing in nearly 50 govt job attempts, leaves note for father
)
Salman Khan breaks silence on health concerns after viral Mumbai appearance
)
'George Soros playbook': Understanding the foreign funding network around Sonam Wangchuk
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
New OTT releases this week (July 20-26, 2026): Musafir Cafe, Adarsh Baal Vidyalaya, 72 Hours- 5 new titles coming on Netflix, Prime Video and more
)
Delhi Metro shuts 16 stations as NEET-UG protest continues at Jantar Mantar: Full list of affected routes
)
IND vs ZIM, 1st T20I: When and where to watch live streaming in India?
)
Is Pentagon hiding missile shortage from Trump? US officials raise alarm over Iran war readiness
)
'We acted immediately...': Indian PM Modi breaks silence on paper leaks as NEET protest, calls for Education Minister's resignation grows
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 Indian batters with most T20I runs against Zimbabwe
)
Kaylee Hottle was unconscious: Shocking details from first responders revealed after teen star's death
)
'What is wrong...': Anna Hazare breaks silence on Sonam Wangchuk's protest, makes an appeal to Centre
)
FIFA 2026 | 'I am truly sorry': Argentina's Enzo Fernandez, who get red card in final, reacts to loss
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why US fighter jets use seamless bubble canopies compared to Russian jets
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why the F-22’s cockpit glass is thicker than a standard fighter jet
)
Student union leaders call off hunger strike at Jantar Mantar after civil society appeal, but protest continues
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
World's top 7 most liveable cities in 2026 — Check where India and Pakistan stand
)
'Guru is the...': Indian Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan shares message on education amid calls for his resignation
)
'Not permitted ...': IIT Roorkee issues gag order as students' protest intensifies
)
'Don't waste...': CJI Surya Kant breaks silence on Delhi police brutality against protesting students
)
'This should not happen in a democracy': Shashi Tharoor slams detention of Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi after protest outside PM Modi's residence
)
FBI arrests alleged $547mn medicare fraud fugitive after 3-year global manhunt
Why is the protest taking place?
According to the VBA, the bandh is being organised to protest against the detention of students, activists and opposition leaders during demonstrations in Delhi over the NEET paper leak controversy.
The party says the protest is also intended to show solidarity with students demanding accountability and greater transparency in the examination process.
Is it an official shutdown?
No. The Maharashtra government has not declared an official public holiday, and there has been no order directing schools, colleges, government offices, or businesses to close.
The bandh is a political call rather than a state-imposed shutdown.
Will transport be affected?
Authorities have not announced any suspension of public transport.
Mumbai’s suburban railway network, Metro services, state-run buses and airports are expected to function as usual. However, commuters could face traffic congestion, road blockades or delays if protesters gather in large numbers.
Police are expected to deploy additional personnel across major cities, including Mumbai, Pune and Nashik, to maintain law and order.
What should people expect?
While essential services are expected to remain operational, some markets, shops and commercial establishments may close voluntarily in areas where the bandh receives significant support.
Residents have been advised to check local traffic updates before travelling and follow official advisories issued by police and district authorities.
Bandhs are a common form of political protest in India. Although they are not legally enforceable, they can cause disruptions depending on the level of public participation and support from local organisations.
