Maratha Kranti Morcha shows its might in Mumbai march, government gives in
Mumbai turned saffron today with thousands of members of the Maratha community holding a protest march demanding reservation in jobs and colleges.
In Short
- Thousands from Maratha community hold protest march in Mumbai.
- Rail, road traffic badly affected in the city.
- CM Fadnavis announces a slew of sops to pacify protesting Marathas.
Road and rail traffic was badly hit as Mumbai turned saffron today with thousands of Marathas took to streets to demanding reservation in government jobs and colleges for their community.
The day-long protest forced Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announce a slew of measures to pacify the powerful community. Fadnavis also met representatives of Maratha Kranti Morcha and leaders of all political parties before announcing concessions for the Maratha community.
HERE'S WHAT FADNAVIS ANNOUNCED:
- Land and grant of Rs 5 crore to build hostels for students from Maratha community in every district.
- Matter referred to Backward Classes Commission which will do a study of feasibility of giving reservation to Maratha community.
- Marathas to get concession under Economically Backwards Class.
- People belonging to Maratha community to get concession in 605 educational courses.
- Interest free loan to members of the Maratha community by Annasaheb Mandal.
- Severe punishment to accused in the Kopardi rape, murder case.
SEA OF SAFFRON IN MUMBAI
Amid tight security, the massive silent march began from the Jijamata Udyan in Byculla with participants carrying saffron swallowtail flags.
People had started arriving in the city since early morning in private vehicles as well as public modes of transport. Police and traffic personnel were deployed in large numbers to manage the huge inflow of people and the movement of vehicles in Mumbai.
The Mumbai's famed 'Dabbawalas' (lunchbox deliverymen), majority of whom hail from the Maratha community, also joined the march.
This was the 58th march of the Maratha community, exactly a year after the first such protest held in Aurangabad. The march has been organised by the Sakal Maratha Samaj, an umbrella organisation of several Maratha groups.
These 'mook morcha' or silent rallies were held in various parts of the state following the brutal rape and murder of a 14-year-old girl, belonging to the Maratha community, at Kopardi village in Ahmednagar district in July 2016.
The JJ flyover was closed for traffic in view of the march. Schools in south Mumbai were closed today as a precautionary measure.
The protest rally culminated at Azad Maidan.
ALSO READ:
Mega Maratha Kranti March in Mumbai: Lakhs occupy Azad Maidan to demand reservation
Maratha Kranti March: Roads closed for march; here's a list of roads and areas to avoid
WATCH: Maratha Kranti Morcha holds silent march in Mumbai over reservation in jobs, colleges