Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) chief Prakash Ambedkar on Tuesday urged people to observe a statewide shutdown on July 23 to protest against the Centre’s education policies and the alleged police action against students and supporters during the ongoing CJP-led agitation in Delhi.

“The Union government does not want people to be educated as education expands understanding and encourages critical thinking. That is why the current regime does not want the youth to have it,” Ambedkar told the media.

Ambedkar, a lawyer, activist, and politician who has completed two terms in the Lok Sabha and one term in the Rajya Sabha, is the grandson of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Constitution of India.

Announcing the bandh, he said, "In light of the brutal attack and lathi-charge on students protesting peacefully in Delhi, Vanchit Bahujan Aaghadi has called for a Maharashtra Bandh on July 23 in support of the students and in protest against the police brutality."

He also appealed to like-minded political parties, students and people from all walks of life to come together and support the Maharashtra bandh on July 23.