By Ira Deshpande
Maratha activist Manoj Jarange-Patil has increased his campaign for reservations. He started a march from his village in Jalna district on August 26. After stopping at Shivneri Fort, he reached Pune with hundreds of supporters. He aims to hold a protest at the Azad Maidan in Mumbai on August 29.
The police have granted permission for only one day of the protest. According to the conditions, the protest can run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. with no more than 5,000 people gathering. Jarange, however, has said that he will remain in Mumbai until the government accepts his demand to give Marathas Kunbi caste certificates, which would make them eligible under the OBC quota.
Security arrangements have been tightened in Mumbai. More than 1,500 police officers will be stationed at Azad Maidan. In addition, central forces like the CRPF, RAF, CISF and state reserve police have also been called in. Authorities are cautious, as the protest comes close to Ganeshotsav, during which crowds in the city are already high.
The Bombay High Court has also underlined that no protest can go on endlessly in public spaces. It ruled that demonstrations must take place only with prior permission and within limits fixed by the authorities. The police are following these directions while allowing the Maratha agitation.
On the political front, the Maharashtra government is trying to calm the situation. A cabinet sub-committee has met to discuss Jarange’s demands. The Shinde panel, which is studying legal options for Maratha reservation, has been given six more months to submit its report. Ministers have said they are ready to talk but must ensure any decision can stand in court.
Meanwhile, OBC groups have voiced concern. Leaders like Laxman Hake argue that giving Marathas access to the Kunbi category will harm existing OBC reservations. With local body elections approaching, tensions between communities are rising.