Mumbai Bandh – Demand for Reservation
Mumbai, on Tuesday, saw large-scale violence in the form of a state-wide protest. Maratha outfits demanded reservation for their community in Maharashtra. The Mumbai Bandh is being organized for that very reason.
Tuesday’s violence led to the death of a constable and also injured nine policemen. Apart from that, attempted suicide was committed three agitators. Stone throwing and arson were reported in various parts of the state very akin to the recent Jat Agitation in Haryana.
Agitators fought with the police. Vehicles were also torched at several places. Internet services were also suspended in the rural areas of Aurangabad district. The impact of Tuesday’s bandh was felt with its epicentre at Aurangabad and adjoining districts. The protests intensified after the death of a protestor on Monday.
As the protests are now heading to Mumbai, the agitation is being spearheaded the Maratha Kranti Morcha. The Sakal Maratha Samaj called for bandhs today in Navi Mumbai and Panvel.
All this stir is propelled the prospect of reservation in jobs and education. As the Marathas are a politically influential community, constituting about 30% of the state’s population, this has been a highly debated issue.
The funeral venue for protestor Kakasaheb Shinde was marked with violence. A constable was killed. Shiv Sena MP Chandrakant Khaire faced the anger of the protestors. He was manhandled the crowd and had to escape. His car was stone-pelted as well. The police at the venue had to cane protestors and detonated tear gas shells. The situation is now under control and additional state RPF has been sent.
Many suicide attempts have been going on around Maharashtra. Protester Jagannath Sonawane, 31, from Aurangabad, sought to emulate Shinde’s example jumping onto a dry river bed. Guddu Sonawane, also from the district, consumed poison. They have been admitted to a hospital.
The leader of Opposition in the Assembly Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil blamed Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for the stir and despite assurances from Mr Fadnavis, nothing concrete has been done till now, community leaders have claimed.
Will the Mumbai Bandh yield any substantial outcome? Is the Mumbai Bandh justified?
