MUMBAI: The ‘jail bharo’ protest called by the Maratha Kranti Morcha (MKM), which is spearheading the push for quotas for the community, saw a turnout of 30 people in Azad Maidan, a far cry from by the Mumbai bandh of July 25. The bandh had resulted in arson in Navi Mumbai.
This is the result of police cases against protesters, criticism from within about the violence during agitations, protesters said. The strong police presence outside Azad Maidan where the protest was held, was also a deterrent. Some also said that there was confusion about the protest with rumours the previous night that it had been cancelled. The MKM has submitted a letter to governor Vidyasagar Rao asking for the police cases registered against the community during the bandh to be withdrawn. “Maratha youth are being questioned even now,” said Amol Jadhavrao of MKM.
“In fact, cases should be lodged against chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and revenue minister Chandrakant Patil for provoking the community with their statements,” he said.
The protesters have demanded a time-bound programme for the implementation of a 16% quota for the community in education and jobs. The government has pointed out that the issue is before the Bombay high court and that it is waiting for the report of the
state backward class commission.
However, the protesters say they have lost faith in the government. The state’s plan to fill 72,000 vacant government posts had triggered the recent wave of protests. “If the government needs to change the Constitution to provide reservations, then it should do so. How is it that the Tamil Nadu government’s reservation quota is 69% and
Maharashtra is unable to move beyond 52%” asked Ashok Desai, an Andheri resident.
“We have managed to place our demands before the government. Now the protests should be peaceful,” said Vinod Patil whose petition on the issue is before the HC. MKM leaders will meet in Beed on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Pune rural police have identified around 100 suspects involved arson during the July 30 violence over the quota stir in Chakan.
“All these suspects have played a direct role in stone pelting and vandalising and torching of vehicles. Some suspects have criminal backgrounds.” Pune rural police superintendent Sandeep Patil told TOI.
The state road transport bus services from Nashik and Aurangabad to Pune remained suspended till Wednesday evening. The services have been affected for three days due to the agitation at Chakan.
(Inputs by Sandip Dighe)
‘Jail bharo’ protest called by Maratha Kranti Morcha 
