Shiv Sena wades into issue of Maratha unrest

Uddhav demands special session of state legislature to discuss reservation, changes in Atrocity Act.

Dodging questions related to a demand for Maratha reservation and the ongoing protest rallies by the community, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray demanded a special session of the state legislature. The Sena has neither opposed nor supported the ongoing Maratha agitations across the state.

“The state government should convene a special session of the legislature on Maratha reservation and for changes in the Atrocity Act. Shiv Sena will clear its stand on Maratha reservation and the Atrocity Act during the special session,” Mr Thackeray told reporters at Sena Bhavan on Wednesday.

The Kopardi case, in which a minor girl was brutally raped and murdered on July 13, has galvanised the Maratha community, which has come together to demand justice for the victim, who belonged to the community. The gathering of Marathas has received unprecedented response in every district. A few lakh people, including women and girls, gather at each district and lead a march to the district collector’s office. The protest is conducted silently everywhere and no political leaders are allowed to share the stage. The community is also going to organise a protest in Mumbai next month.

The Bombay high court on Wednesday refused to hear a petition against the decision of the state government to provide 16 per cent reservation to the Maratha community in jobs and educational institutions.

Taking cognisance of the sentiments of the community, the CM had convened a meeting of the leaders. He even assured in an interview to the government channel Sahyadri that a few measures can be taken to address the grievances of the community. After the tremendous success of the protests, many parties are trying to grab credit for the rallies.