Mumbai: Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil held a big demonstration right here Friday, demanding the group be given Kunbi certificates underneath the OBC class. Sporting saffron scarfs and caps, 1000’s of his supporters got here from completely different components of the state and joined him within the protest that threw visitors within the metropolis out of drugs amid regular rains by way of the day.

They thronged the CST railway station, elevating slogans like ‘Ek Marathi Lakh Maratha’ and ‘Hum bhi Jarange’. Some Maratha MLAs from each ruling and opposition events joined the protest together with Prakash Solanke from ruling NCP (Ajit Pawar), and Bajrang Sonawane, Sandeep Kshirsagar and Kailash Patil from the Opposition.

In accordance with police officers, greater than 1,500 personnel have been deployed throughout the town to take care of regulation and order. In accordance with police estimates, round 40,000 individuals got here to Mumbai for the protest.

The protest is important within the backdrop of the upcoming native physique polls, particularly as a result of his quota stir had had an impression on the Lok Sabha election, with the BJP-led Mahayuti dropping seven out of eight Marathwada seats.

And in a double whammy for the Devendra Fadnavis-led authorities, the OBCs would even be protesting, with their leaders assembly in Pune Saturday to determine thor subsequent plan of action.

The federal government has mentioned that it’s making an attempt to satisfy the calls for of the Maratha group with out hurting the OBCs however the matter (of Marathas getting separate reservation above the already 50 % quota for the state) is subjudice. A subcommittee of the federal government underneath minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil was more likely to meet Jarange, however the assembly didn’t occur story late within the night.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis instructed the media they’re optimistic in regards to the reservation.

“We’re cooperating with the group over the quota. We have to discover methods in accordance with the regulation, not simply give them assurance. However I need to say that these two communities which might be in entrance of one another, that ought to not occur. We have to take care of OBCs as effectively. They need to keep in mind that it was throughout our time that Marathas got justice. So, opposition making an attempt to politicise this could not do it, as they haven’t carried out something for Marathas,” he mentioned.

The opposition MVA has prolonged their assist to Jarange Patil. Former chief minister and Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) chief Uddhav Thackeray instructed the media that if Marathi manoos can’t come to Mumbai then the place will they go to get justice. “That is the accountability of the federal government. They swore on the identify of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. What occurred to it?” he requested.

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Additionally Learn: Mumbai his stage, weapons skilled at Fadnavis, Maratha quota activist Jarange Patil returns

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Jarange in Mumbai

Manoj Jarange Patil arrived in Mumbai Friday morning, asserting he received’t go away Mumbai with out getting his calls for authorised.

Patil, who was given permission to carry a protest for a day at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan, began his agitation round 10 am. He was joined by 1000’s of Marathas who flooded the roads in Navi Mumbai resulting in Mumbai.

“I cannot go away Mumbai until all our calls for are met. Which means even when the police resort to bullets or put us in jail, we won’t return. That is my phrase,” he asserted.

Jarange additionally warned the federal government over inns and eating places being closed within the Azad Maidan neighborhood because of the protest. “You keep in mind what you could have carried out to us and we are going to do the identical to you whenever you come to our villages for rallies. This authorities is worse than the British,” he mentioned.

Addressing his supporters and fellow protesters, he mentioned, “You don’t have to attend right here. Those that want to return can go forward within the night. I enchantment to the federal government to allow us to protest with none time restrictions. We simply need reservation underneath the OBC class. I need to inform the federal government, it’s higher to not take the wrath of Marathas,” Patil mentioned, whereas interesting to Marathas to protest peacefully.

The Mumbai police put restrictions on vehicular motion in the direction of South Mumbai, whereas additionally asking the protestors to park their automobiles away from the situation to keep away from congestion.  

That is Patil’s ninth protest prior to now two years. Final time, when Jarange tried to return to Mumbai in January 2024, then chief minister Eknath Shinde had assured him that each one 57 lakh Marathas would get Kunbi certificates. A draft notification to this impact was additionally issued by the state’s social justice division which is but to be carried out.

Jarange is demanding the draft ought to be carried out. To date, greater than 5 lakh Marathas have obtained Kunbi certificates. Within the upcoming elections, this might profit Shinde particularly within the areas of Marathwada since Patil has been concentrating on Fadnavis and never his Mahayuti allies Shidne or Ajit Pawar.

“The whole agitation appeared to be orchestrated to provide profit to Shinde it appears. It is a results of the chilly battle between Shinde and Fadnavis. Nonetheless, with Fadnavis taking part in well and permitting Jarange to return to Mumbai, it appears to provide him the sting,” mentioned political analyst Prakash Bal. 

“In addition to, immediately Amit Shah is in Mumbai so Fadnavis saying that the matter is subjudice and the OBCs and the Marathas will get completely different reservations is a transparent message to each communities. The BJP that will get OBC votes won’t be challenged is the clear message,” he mentioned. 

OBC protests 

In the meantime, OBC chief Laxman Hake mentioned Patil’s agitation had a “political agenda”. “Is he an autocrat? Is he a Hitler? Is it what he needs to grow to be? He doesn’t need to hearken to the courtroom and the federal government. This isn’t a social trigger for quota however a political agenda,” Hake instructed the media.

“He needs to topple the federal government led by Fadnavis. I say this with full accountability that similar to opposition, Ajit Pawar’s MLAs are additionally with him to topple this authorities. It is a plot to destabilise and alter the federal government. I need to let you know that if the reservation will get accepted for Marathas underneath OBC, then the OBC quota can be completed,” he added additional

An OBC chief from Jalna, who didn’t want to be named, added, “As our chief mentioned, Jarange’s agitation is nothing however politically motivated. However we won’t settle for Marathas underneath our OBC class. This may impression our reservation. What to do about it, whether or not to protest or not, every part can be clear in a day or two.”

(Edited by Ajeet Tiwari)

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Additionally Learn: Fragmented voting blocs now united by caste — how quota stir might cut up OBC, Maratha votes

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