Maratha Stir: Another Youth Ends Life, 11 More Arrested in Chakan
CM Fadnavis said that his government was making “sincere” efforts to grant reservations for the Maratha community.
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, after chairing a meet of party MLAs and senior leaders on Thursday, said that a joint statement was signed to give reservation to Marathas lawfully.
Fadnavis chaired the meet after over 300 protestors were detained across the state on Wednesday, 1 August for carrying out a ‘jail bharo andolan’.
- Maharashtra Finance Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar said the government does not want to ‘fool’ the community with a hurried decision
- Maratha Kranti Morcha will carry out a “jail bharo agitation” from 1 August to 9 August
- CM Devendra Fadnavis had assured the protestors that the decision of reservation will be taken, but the one that stands the test of law
11 Arrested for Violence in Pune 's Chakan
Police arrested 11 more people, taking the number of arrests made to 29 in connection with violence that broke out in Pune's Chakan over the Maratha Reservation protests, reported ANI.
"FIRs have been registered against four to five thousand people. Further investigation is underway," said Giri Gosawi, Investigation Officer.
Another Youth Ends Life Over Maratha Protests
Arun Bhadale, 26, ended his life on Saturday, 4 August. The youth who lived in the Purbhe village of Raigarh district, cited financial crisis and the Maratha quota agitation as the reasons for killing himself.
Bhadale left a suicide note at his cousin’s place in Kopar Khairane, Navi Mumbai, reported Maratha Daily Lokmat.
CM Fadvnavis Meets Eminent Personalities from Maratha Community
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday, 2 August met with 22 eminent personalities from the Maratha community to discuss the quota stir.
Noted actors Sayaji Shinde and Amol Kolhe, well-known art director Nitin Desai, Shirdi temple trust chairman Suresh Haware and water conservation activist Popatrao Pawar were among the prominent personalities who attended the meeting.
Various short-term and long-term measures to provide relief to the community were discussed, CM told PTI. Amol Kolhe who is known for his portrayal of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj earlier and currently as Sambhaji in TV shows, told PTI that the meeting was positive.
"I could feel the chief minister's genuine concern over the violent turn that the quota stir took and his positive approach towards welfare of the community," Kohle added. The actor said Fadnavis apprised the meeting about the steps being taken by his government for the Maratha community.
Maharashtra Asks for Central Security Forces to Face New Round of Agitation
The Maharashtra government has asked for Central security forces to face a new round of agitation for Maratha quota from August 9, a senior official told PTI
Maratha Kranti Morcha, the umbrella organisation of the agitators, seeking reservation in jobs and education, had said it would start a new round of protests all over the state from August 9.
A senior Home Department official said there were intelligence inputs that there could be fresh violence.
"We have reserve police force, but it would not be sufficient if there are simultaneous protests in different places," the official told PTI on condition of anonymity.
15 Arrested for Violence in Pune's Chakan
15 out of 18 people arrested in connection with violence that broke out in Pune’s Chakan over Maharashtra reservation issue have been sent to police custody by Pune session court till 8 August, ANI reported. Rest three minors were not produced before the court.
Joint Statement Signed to Give Reservation to Marathas Lawfully: Fadnavis
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, after chairing a meet of party MLAs, said that a joint statement was signed to give reservation to Marathas lawfully.
“Today a meeting was held with state leaders from diverse sections&a joint statement has been signed to give reservation to Marathas lawfully. State Govt stands in absolute support for Maratha reservation and we are following requisite process to do it at the earliest,” he said
Fadnavis to Chair Party Meet Over Reservation Row Today
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will chair meeting of BJP MLAs and senior leaders over Maratha reservation issue in Mumbai on Thursday, 3 August.
Over 300 Detained Across State
Maratha activists held 'Jail Bharo (fill the jails)' protest at various places in Maharashtra today, demanding immediate introduction of reservations in jobs and education for the community.
In Mumbai and elsewhere, at least 335 persons were detained during the day. They were released later. No violence was reported from any place, police said.
Pro-quota groups led by Maratha Kranti Morcha organised Jail Bharo at Azad Maidan in south Mumbai, where police detained 34 persons. They were released later, a police official said.
Don't Want to Fool the Community: Maharashtra Finance Minister
Maharashtra Finance Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar said the government does not want to 'fool' the community with a hurried decision which may end up in a long court battle.
Speaking to reporters here, Mungantiwar said Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was making all efforts to give reservation to the community and emphasis was being laid on following of all due processes.
"The government does not want to fool the community by giving them a few days of happiness with a hasty decision, which will then get entangled in legal battles," he said.
Protesters Block Pune-Solapur Highway
The protesters blocked the Pune-Solapur highway on Wednesday, 1 August.
Maratha Kranti Morcha to Lead "Jail Bharo Agitation" From 1-9 August
The Maratha Kranti Morcha (MKM) will lead the different groups protesting for reservation, on a “jail bharo agitation”, which will commence in Mumbai on Wednesday, 1 August, and will be carried out across the state till 9 August.
The members of the team are expected to stage demonstrations at Azad Maidan, to state their demands, which include the immediate withdrawal of criminal cases against the Maratha community and a formal apology or resignation from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Revenue Minister Chandrakant Patil for hurting the sentiments of the community, reports The Indian Express.
Additionally, they are demanding a compensation of Rs 50 lakh for the youths who lost their lives during the protests and Rs 10 lakh for the injured.
Over 4,000 People Booked for Pune Violence
A day after arson and stone-pelting reached in parts of Pune over the Maratha reservation issue, police on Tuesday booked over 4,000 people perpetrating violence and said the violent protests caused loss of property worth Rs 10 crore in the city.
Over 60 vehicles, including public transport buses were vandalised and torched by protesters during violence in Chakan, an industrial hub 40km from Pune. Violence in the area is slowly returning to normal.
CCTV cameras and video footage are being scanned to identify arsonists and rioters, police said.
Another Youth Ends Life Over Maratha Protests
The spate of suicides spurred by the Maratha quota agitation rose to six on Tuesday as a labourer and a student ended their lives, while eight protesters attempted suicide today in Maharashtra, police said.
The 17-year-old student died after jumping into a well at Vadodbazar village in Fulambri teshil of Aurangabad district, police said.
Pradip Hari Mhaske, who secured 75 percent marks in the 10th standard exam, failed to secure admission in a junior college and a technical training institute in absence of any Maratha quota in these institutions, an official said.
Government Working on Demand For Reservations: CM Fadnavis
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said his government was working on the demand for reservations to the Maratha community, but that the legal process could not be curtailed.
Speaking at a function here to release a book on Chhatrapati Rajaram, King Shivaji's descendant, Fadnavis said the decision cannot be taken only on the basis of sentiments.
"If sentiments are aroused, there will be unrest in the community. The legal process needs to be completed and our government will do that in a time-bound manner," he added.
Urge You Not to Kill Yourself: Ajit Pawar
NCP leader Ajit Pawar appealed to protesters seeking quota for the Maratha community in Maharashtra not to resort to killing themselves over the demand and urged them to demonstrate peacefully.
The former Maharashtra minister made the appeal through posts on Twitter, but did not refer to any particular incident.
"Besides, I request you with folded hands none should resort to extreme step of ending life pushing family and friends into grief," the former deputy chief minister said on Twitter.
1 Ends Life, 8 Attempt Self Immolation in Marathwada
A 35-year-old man ended his life, while eight protesters attempted suicide on Tuesday in Maharashtra as the Maratha quota stir intensified, police said.
Abhijeet Deshmukh, a resident of Veeda village in Beed district in Marathwada region hanged himself from a tree near his house, police said.
Eight protesters attempted self-immolation by pouring kerosene in support of Maratha reservation in Latur district, also in Marathwada region, police said today.
Congress MLA Resigns Over Quota Stir
Another MLA from Maharashtra resigned on Monday in support of the Maratha quota demand.
Abdul Sattar (Congress), who represents Sillod Assembly seat in Aurangabad district, has sent a letter to Assembly Speaker Haribhau Bagde.
Sattar stated that he was quitting, as the state government has not taken any decision regarding allotting reservation to Marathas, Muslim, Dhangar and Mahadev Koli communities.
16 Vehicles Set Ablaze in Chakan
Pune District Collector told ANI that the situation in the city was under control.
“16 vehicles set ablaze and 25 vehicles were vandalised by mob during violent protests for Maratha Reservation in Chakan. Situation is under control, peace has been restored. Section 144 (prohibits assembly of more than 4 people in an area) has been revoked,” he said.
Another Protestor Kills Himself in Aurangabad
A 35-year-old man allegedly committed suicide by jumping in front of a moving train here over the Maratha quota demand.
The man, identified as Pramod Jaising Hore, had posted a message on his Facebook page and shared a message on WhatsApp on Sunday, saying he would be ending his life in support of the reservation demand, Mukundwadi police station's Senior Inspector Natha Jadhav told PTI.
Hore allegedly jumped before the running train in Mukundwadi area here in central Maharashtra late last night, he said.
Section 144 Imposed in Pune's Chakan
Section 144, which prohibits assembly of more than four people in an area, was imposed in Pune’s Chakan following violent protests in the area demanding Maratha reservations.
Congress Asks Governor to Intervene
After conducting a meeting of their MLAs and senior party leaders, the Maharashtra Congress wrote to Governor Vidyasagar Rao to intervene in the matter and demanded that he ask the state government to expedite its efforts for providing 16 percent reservation to the Maratha community.
Protestors Burn Tyres, Vandalise Buses in Pune
Protests for reservation for the Maratha community turned violent in Pune where protestors burnt tyres, vandalised buses and blocked roads.
Shiv Sena MLAs To Meet CM fadnavis to Discuss Reservation
Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said that party MLAs would be meeting Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to discuss the issue of reservation for Marathas.
“Our demand is to convene a special assembly session on Maratha Reservation issue. Our MLAs will meet the Chief Minister today,” Thackeray told the media.
Fadnavis Agrees for Partial Withdraw of Cases Against Marathas
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday, 29 July, assured partial withdrawal of police cases filed against the Maratha youths for vandalising properties during recent protests for the quota demand.
"However, the criminal charges like assaulting police officials will not be withdrawn," the CM told reporters at Sahyadri Guest House.
The announcement came after Fadnavis held a meeting with BJP's Rajya Sabha MP Narayan Rane and his MLA son Nitesh Rane, along with some leaders of the Maratha community who are pro-reservation.
However, the names of the pro-reservation groups were not revealed by the state government.
Shiv Sena Calls for A Party Meet Tomorrow
Shiv Sena party has called a meeting of its Ministers and MLAs at party chief Uddhav Thackeray's residence in Mumbai over Maratha reservation at 12 PM on Monday, 30 July.
We'll Protest from 1 Aug If Our Demands Are Not Met: Sakal Maratha Samaj
After the all-party meet, Sakal Maratha Samaj told reporters that they don’t trust the government, reported ANI. They said, “We don't trust the Govt. They should take a decision, we don't want any further discussions with them.”
Request Backward Commission to Submit its Report: Devendra Fadnavis
Speaking to the media after the All Party meeting in Maharashtra’s Vidhan Bhavan, Devendra Fadnavis has said that he has instructed the DGP to take back the cases against people participating in the protest. However, cases against people indulging in arson and attacking police personnel will not be withdrawn.
Fadnavis has also said that he has appealed to the people to maintain peace and no one should take any extreme step.
“Requested Backward commission to submit its report & then we'll convene a special assembly session,” Fadnavis added.
All party Meet Begins in Maharashtra
All party meet begins in Maharashtra’s Vidhan Bhavan to discuss Maratha reservation issue, reported ANI.
Shiv Sena's Mouthpiece Saamana Slams Fadnavis Govt of Not Handling Maratha Agitation Properly
In an editorial piece, Shiv Sena’s mouthpiece ‘Saamana’ has accused Devendra Fadnavis’ government of not being serious about the demands of Maratha community, reported ANI.
Criticising the government for its approach on maratha agitations, the editorial reads:
"The state government is not serious about the demands of Maratha community, else they would have taken a decision over their demands by now.”
Withdraw Cases Against Protestors: Congress
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Dhananjay Munde, on Friday 27 July, asked the Devendra Fadnavis-led Maharashtra government to withdraw police cases filed against Maratha reservation protestors, saying the action smacked of "vendetta".
In a letter to the Chief Minister, the Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council said Maratha protestors were being “falsely implicated” in criminal cases related to stone pelting, arson and attempt to murder.
"The government should stop this vendetta and withdraw all the cases (against protestors)," Munde said and slammed the BJP-led administration over its handling of the Maratha protests, which turned violent.
(With inputs from PTI)
CM fadnavis Calls for All Party Meet to Discuss Matter
Amid the ongoing Maratha quota agitation that sparked violence in parts of Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has decided to convene a meeting of leaders of all parties here tomorrow to discuss the issue.
The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by the chief minister at his cabinet colleague Vinod Tawde's residence late last night which was attended by BJP ministers Chandrakant Patil, Girish Mahajan, Subhash Deshmukh, the party's state unit chief Raosaheb Danve, among others.
"Invitation for tomorrow's meeting, to be held at Vidhan Bhavan, will be sent across today. We will try and come up with a solution to the issue of Maratha reservation," Revenue minister Chandrakant Patil said.
Another Protestor Dies in Mumbai
A protestor, who was injured in the violence during the Maratha quota stir in Navi Mumbai, has succumbed to his injuries at the JJ Hospital .
Hospital Dean Dr Mukund Tayade told PTI that 25-year-old Rohan Todkar had sustained multiple injuries on his head, hands and legs during the violence at Kopar Khairane on Wednesday, 25 July.
He was shifted to J J Hospital yesterday and was kept in the intensive care unit, but succumbed to his injuries yesterday, Tayade said.
Internet Services Suspended in Navi Mumbai, To Be Restored on Friday
Internet services were suspended as a precautionary measure in Navi Mumbai on Thursday, where an uneasy calm prevailed a day after violence during the Maratha quota stir.
The services, which were suspended early on Thursday, to prevent rumour mongering on social media and online platforms, will be restored on Friday, the police said.
A police official said the decision to suspend internet services was taken on a directive of the state Home Department.
(PTI)
Five MLAs Resign for Maratha Quota Cause
Five MLAs have so far resigned over the Maratha quota demand.
Bharat Bhalke (Congress), Rahul Aher (BJP) and Dattatraya Bharne (NCP) resigned as legislators on Thursday, reported PTI.
On Wednesday, Harshvardhan Jadhav (Shiv Sena) and Bhausaheb Patil Chikatgaonkar (NCP) from Aurangabad district had offered to resign in support of the quota demand.
CM Fadnavis Holds Meeting With BJP Leaders and Ministers Over Maratha Issue
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis arrived for a meeting with senior BJP leaders and ministers on the Maratha reservation issue on Thursday night, reported ANI.
Protestors Torch Tyres in Nagpur
Protestors torched tyres in Nagpur on Thursday over their demand of reservation for Maratha community.
Will Arrest Mischievous Elements Identified: Thane CP
Thane Commissioner of Police Parambir Singh said that the police has taken 20 people into custody and other “mischievous elements” who have been identfied will be arrested.
Shiv Sena MLA Resigns Over Maratha Stir
Harshvardhan Jadhav, Shiv Sena MLA from Kannad (Aurangabad) constituency, has offered his resignation to Vidhan Sabha speaker via e-mail over the Maratha reservation issue, reported ANI.
He has reportedly left for Mumbai and will be giving a physical copy to Vidhansabha speaker.
Govt Open to Talk to Protestors: CM Fadnavis
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday, 25 July, said that his government has taken cognisance of the Maratha protest and is open to hold talks with protestors.
Transharbour Services Restart
Transharbour services between Thane and Vashi on Transharbour Lines have restarted.
Sion-Panvel Highway Still Blocked by Protestors
Sion-Panvel highway is still blocked by protestors at Kalamboli junction and Vashi. Efforts to control the situation is underway.
Fadnavis Mis-led Maratha Community: Congress
Congress’ Sanjay Nirupam said that CM Devendra Fadnavis misled the Maratha community and lied about not attending the Pandarpur Yatra this year.
Maratha Kranti Morcha Calls Off Bandh
The Maratha Kranti Morcha called off the state-wide bandh, saying that they wanted Mumbaikars to return home safely.
“We thank Mumbaikars for their support. We had called for a peaceful bandh but if any citizen was inconvenienced, we apologise. We demand that the state government take cognisance of our demands. We call off the bandh that we had declared,”a representative of the outfit said while addressing the media.
“We were told that protests turned violent at some places. These incidents did not take place where our activists were protesting. We will have to look into where the protests turned violent and who was responsible for it,” he added.
The outfit also said that it was upset with the way the protests were handled by the state government and will decide the future course of action in a few days, reports suggested.
Protestors Block Mumbai-Pune Highway
Protestors Burn Bus in Mankhurd, Torch Police Vehicles in Kalamboli
Protestors pelted stones and set a bus ablaze in Mankhurd, Mumbai, during protests. The fire has now been extinguished by fire tenders.
Two police vehicles were also reportedly set ablze in Navi Mumbai’s Kalamboli. Dozens of privates vehicles have also been vandalised.
There are also reports of cars and buses being attacked between Sion and Panvel.
I Support Reservation for Marathas: Ramdas Athawale
Union Minister Ramdas Athawale said that he supports reservation for Marathas and will raise the issue with the NDA.
“I support the Maratha reservation demand. I appeal to protestors to protest peacefully. We need to make a law in parliament and raise the reservation cap from 50 percent to 75 percent. Will also raise this issue in NDA,” he said.
Protestors Vandalise CM's Poster in Thane
Protestors in Thane vandalised Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ poster.
One More Protestor Who Had Consumed Poison Dies in Aurangabad
Jagannath Sonavne, who had consumed poison in protest on Tuesday, 24 July, has reportedly died, sources told The Quint.
Jayant Sonavne and Jagannath Sonavne had attempted to kill themselves during the demonstrations on Tuesday. While Jayant jumped into the Godavari river, Jagannath consumed poison.
Clashes Break Out in Latur
Clashes broke out in Latur’s Udgir area when a group of protestors was forcibly trying to get people to shut shops and overturned a vegetable cart in the process while attempting to enforce the bandh.
Protestors Block Train in Thane
Protestors of the Maratha Kranti Morcha blocked railway tracks, disrupting local train services from Thane.
Protestors Request Shopkeepers to Shut Shops with Folded hands
A group of Maratha Kranti Morcha workers requested the shopkeepers in Bandra, with folded hands, to shut their shops.
Tyres Set Ablaze in Thane
Protestors set tyres on fire on the Majiwada bridge in Thane.
Protestors Forcibly Shut Shops in Thane
Workers of Maratha Kranti Morcha forcibly shut shops on Thane's Gokhale road.
Will Carry Out Peaceful Protests: Maratha Kranti Morcha
A Maratha Kranti Morcha representative said that that the outfit plans to carry out “peaceful” protests and no roads will be blocked in the process.
“We are not blocking any road. We are carrying out a peaceful protest. We have told our workers that there should be no inconvenience to the police or government due to our protest. We are asking people to shut down their shops,” he said.
TMT Bus Vandalised in Thane
A Thane Municipal Transport (TMT) bus was vandalised in the Wagle Estate area of Thane by protestors from Maratha outfits.
Security Beefed Up at Mumbai's BJP Headquarters
Additional security was deployed outside the BJP headquarters in Mumbai in the wake of the ongoing protests by Maratha groups.
Protests at Thane's Teen Haath Naka
Protestors took to the streets in Thane's Teen Haath Naka in support of the bandh declared in Mumbai by Maratha outfits.
Protestors Pelt Stones at BEST Buses in Navi Mumbai
Protestors pelted stones on two Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) buses near Navi Mumbai's Ghansoli on Wednesday morning. BEST bus services from Airoli to Vashi have been suspended in light of the bandh.
'All Necessary Deployments Have Been Put in Place': Mumbai Police
With the Maratha Kranti Morcha calling for a Mumbai bandh on Wednesday, DCP Deepak Deoraj, PRO, Mumbai Police, said that all the necessary deployments have been put in place.
Pawar Asks CM Fadnavis to Initiate Dialogue with Maratha Stir Leaders
NCP president Sharad Pawar on Tuesday asked Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis to hold talks with representatives of the Maratha outfits to end the ongoing stand-off over the quota demand.
In a statement issued on Tuesday night, Pawar lamented that instead of taking the grievances of the community seriously, the chief minister and certain ministers have given provocative statements.
"There was never any law and order issue," he said.
Pawar also appealed to the protestors to ensure that public and private property is not damaged and the common man not made to suffer due to the agitation.
He said that highly educated and well-off Marathas need not be considered for reservation.
"The demand for reservation for the Muslim and Dhangar communities should also be considered sympathetically," he said.
(Source: PTI)
CPI(M) Supports Maratha Community's Demand for Reservation
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has came out in support of the Maratha community protesting for reservation in government jobs and education, reported PTI.
The party said Wednesday's Mumbai bandh should be observed peacefully.
While giving reservation to the Marathas, the state government should not encroach upon the existing quotas for other communities, he added.
Eight Policemen Injured in Jalna
Eight policemen were injured after protestors pelted stones at the Ghansangvi police station in Jalna on Tuesday, reported PTI. They include two officers, an official said.
Bandh to be Observed in Mumbai Tomorrow
Speaking to ANI, the spokesperson for the Maratha Kranti Samaj said the bandh would not include schools and colleges.
Two More Demonstrators Try to Kill Self
Thirty-one-year-old Jagannath Sonawane from Aurangabad district, on Tuesday, sought to emulate Kakasaheb Shinde's example by jumping onto a dry river bed. Another man, named Guddu Sonawane, from the same district, consumed poison. Both have been admitted to a government hospital, the police said.
Shiv Sena MP Manhandled at Shinde's Funeral
Shiv Sena MP Chandrakant Khaire faced the ire of the protestors when he went to attend Shinde's last rites at his Kaygaon village in Aurangabad on Tuesday.
Khaire was manhandled by the crowd present there and had to beat a hasty retreat, police said, adding that there was stone pelting as well on the MP's car.
Deceased Demonstrator Kakasaheb Shinde's Funeral Held
Protesting for a reservation, 27-year-old Kakasaheb Shinde had jumped off a bridge over Godavari river in Aurangabad on Monday, 23 July. He was rushed to a hospital where he was declared dead. His last rites were held at the Kaygaon village in the district.
Protestors Want Kakasaheb Dattatraya Shinde to be Named Martyr
Shinde was a member of the Sakal Maratha Kranti Thok Morcha, and worked as a driver for a local Shiv Sena leader.
Meanwhile, the Aurangabad Municipal Corporation general body meeting on Tuesday decided to give Rs 10 lakh to the kin of Shinde.
A resolution to seek reservation of 16 percent seats for Maratha community in jobs and education was also approved at the meeting.
One Police Constable Killed in Violence
Sham Atgaonkar, a police constable from Osmanabad who was deployed on duty at Kaygaon, died soon after a commotion, which followed stone-pelting, police said. The cause of death is not ascertained yet, police said.
Another constable was injured in stone-pelting, police said.
A fire brigade van was also set on fire at Kaygaon by the protestors, police said.
Maha CM Fadnavis Cancels Annual Puja in Light of Protests
Maharasthra CM Devendra Fadnavis had cancelled his visit to a temple in Pandharpur after protesting Maratha outfits threatened to disrupt the event.
Fadnavis told reporters that he skipped the event because he feared for the lives of nearly 10 lakh people, who are expected to be at the temple town in Solapur for the occasion of ‘Ashadhi Ekadashi’.
“If throwing stones at me can help win reservation for the Maratha community, I am ready for it,” the CM told reporters, adding that only the court could take a decision on the issue of granting reservation to the community.
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