Nawab Malik, NCP spokesperson said, “The clashes were held to create a rift between Dalit and Marathas in the state. Since media had failed to give proper coverage to the Bhima Koregaon violence incident, hence bandh was called by Dalit outfits. If Ambedkar has called bandh to gain political mileage then it is unjustified as it has caused severe hardships to people. On the other hand, if he has announced the bandh to unite Dalits then it is right.”
Dilip Kamble, Minister of State for Social Justice said, “I condemn the violence incident and appeal to people to maintain peace. Such incidents have never happened in the history of Maharashtra. The Chief Minister has called for a judicial probe into this incident and action will be taken against the accused.”
Former Dy SP M I Shaikh said, “Maharashtra is a progressive state. The government must conduct a probe into this incident to identify miscreants responsible for violence. The police find it difficult to manage crowds and they have to undergo severe stress to bring situation under control during bandh.”
Ashok Jadhav, former Congress MLA said, “According to me, the Bhima Koregaon violence incident was pre-planned. The Maharashtra government had failed to beef up security prior to the event which resulted into violence. To counter that Maharashtra bandh was observed.”
Avinash Mahatekar, RPI leader said, “This bandh was organised as people were unhappy with the government’s inaction against atrocities committed against Dalits and there is no politics involved in it. A probe must be held to ascertain the reason behind why law and order situation had deteriorated in the state since last three days.”