Party threatens state-wide agitation

Mumbai: Sakal Maratha Samaj, an organisation of Maratha protesters, has threatened statewide ‘jail bharo’ agitation from August 1. It has asked state government to revoke all the cases against Maratha agitators, take action against police who used force against protesters as well as an apology from chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and revenue minister Chandrakant Patil for trying to malign the image of protesters.

Sakal Maratha Samaj leaders and volunteers held meeting in Mumbai on Saturday. They have issued a statement threatening another agitation. “All the fake charges made against Maratha agitators should be revoked immediately. Also police officers who did lathi charge against women protesters should be investigated and an action against them should be taken,” demands the statement.

The committee has also taken a decision of not holding any discussion with state government. “Government and chief minister are aware about the demands of the community. So there is no need to go for the discussion. They should take decision,” explained the statement. It has also said that the community will teach lesson to the people who will go for negotiation with the government.

“Mr Fadnavis and Mr Patil have hurt the feelings of Maratha community by making casteist statements. So they should apologize to the people,” said statement. It also threatened that if state government does not act on the demands then community will start ‘Jail Bharo’ agitation from August 1 in all over Maharashtra.

Meanwhile, Maratha community’s statewide agitation for reservation has continued in various cities. Protesters from Parali, Aurangabad, Parbhani, Jalana, Hingoli, Sangli and Kolhapur district has continued their ‘Thiyya’ (sit-in) agitation. Prominent leaders of Maratha Kranti Morcha have already declared mega morcha in Kolhapur on August 9. So, the district branches of this organisation has already started preparation for Kolhapur march meeting.