OBCs in Maharashtra plan a silent march for Bhujbal's release

After the massive rallies by Maratha community, the OBCs have planned a similar silent march to demand release of OBC strongman Chhagan Bhujbal. Bhujbal is currently in Arthur Road jail for his alleged involvement in a money laundering case.

The silent march will be held in Bhujbal's stronghold Nashik on October 3.

Appeal is being made by the Mali Mahasangh, a body of the Mali caste to which Bhujbal belongs, to leaders from the caste and other OBC castes to attend the march in large numbers.

"This silent march is not by any political party or has any political support. These are supporters of Chhagan Bhujbal from the OBC community and appeal to the judicial system and the government to release Bhujbal", said Anil Mahajan, President of the Mali Samaj Mahasangh.

"The matter is still subjudice and no charges have been proved against him. Similar cases have been filed against people from upper castes, but they have got bail. But Bhujbal saheb is still in jail for over 6 months. The OBC community through this silent march will request to grant bail to Bhujbal considering his age and fragile health," added Mahajan.

The mahasangh has also appealed not to politicise the rally. Political observors however beleive that this rally will be seen as an effort to polarise the OBC community on the backdrop of the massive maratha morchas in the state.

Recently BJP leader and Maharashtra Women and Child Development Minister Pankaja Munde met an ailing Chhagan Bhujbal at the JJ Hospital in Mumbai, where Bhujbal was admitted after the leader was diagnosed with viral fever. The meeting had raised eyebrows in political circles. Pankaja's father Late Gopinath Munde and Chhagan Bhujbal were always seen united on the common platform of OBC cause.