Mithiborwala further said that if the date for both events (the public meeting and the Maharashtra bandh) clashed, "it could lead to instances of violence—which is exactly what the BJP wants now."

"The entire (anti-CAA) andolan has been peaceful and Mumbai is the central feature in this," he added. "There are two to three protests happening in the city on a daily basis. Any instance of violence, even a small one, will harm the andolan."

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Meanwhile, Ambedkar said, "We want to bring the economic crisis of the country to the forefront. People are agitating on the NRC-CAA-NPR issue, which is important, but it is under this guise that the central government is trying to push the economic issue under the carpet. They [BJP] know that if the financial situation of the country comes to the forefront, they might be voted out of power."

Referring to Hum Bharat Ke Log not supporting the call for Maharashtra bandh, he said, "I don't comment on the stand that people take. Everybody has the freedom to make their own choice—and this freedom should be granted to them. If we have declared the bandh along with 35 other organisations, then it is now our responsibility to see that it is a success."

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