NAGPUR: The
Maharashtra bandh called by
Sakal Maratha Samaj, spearheading the agitation for reservation in jobs and education for the community, may play out in the city too.
Mudhoji Bhosale of the erstwhile royal family of the city has appealed to his community members to observe restraint and observe the bandh peacefully.
"We have sought cooperation of
NMC, the local authorities, businesses and traders, appealing to them to keep city bus service, schools and offices closed on Thursday, so as to avoid incidents of arson and violence," Bhosale told reporters here on Tuesday.
Asked why Maratha leaders were bent on the agitation in total disregard to chief minister
Devendra Fadnavis' appeal that the matter of Maratha reservations would be resolved by November end, Bhosale said the community had given enough time to the government and has no more patience to rely on assurances that may not even be fulfilled.
"The community took out over 50 silent marches throughout the state. Now, the members are frustrated. But we want the August 9 'bandh' in city to be peaceful . But you never know, there is a Vidarbha bandh also that day, and a scooter rally to Kanyakumari is also starting the same day. Any incident of arson or violence may happen, and the blame put on us," said Bhosale.
"After garlanding Shivaji statue at Mahal at 10am, and a public appeal for peaceful protest, we will enforce bandh in the city," he said.