While Maratha rallies continue to rock districts of Maharashtra everyday, the OBCs are now up in arms. A rally organised by Maharashtra Mali Samaj Mahasangh in Nashik was attended by over a couple of lakhs people today, say observers. This is the first rally organised to counter rallies of Maratha organisations.
Mali is an OBC community with strong presence in Nashik. Former deputy chief minister of Maharashtra Chhagan Bhujbal is the community’s tallest leader. The protesters made two demands — free Bhujbal (who is now in jail) — and don’t touch the existing 27 percent reservation for OBCs while considering the demand for Maratha reservation.
The organisers released a memorandum, which alleged,
We firmly believe that it’s a political conspiracy to silence Bhujbal’s voice. There is a systematic attempt to defame him. We have full faith in the Judicial system and we are sure that we will get justice. But the investigating agencies should stop misleading the courts. It’s unjust to silence the voice of the OBCs and it is sending a wrong message to the community.