Mumbai is engulfed by a 'Maratha storm' as lakhs of the politically powerful community embarked on their first, biggest and ultimate 'mook morcha' (silent procession) to demand reservations in jobs and education on Wednesday. The movement started last year, with processions in 57 different cities. While the authorities anticipate participation of around 5,00,000-8,00,000 Marathas from across the state, the organisers are optimistic it will cross three million.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis met the representatives of the Maratha Morcha, and asserted in the legislative assembly that the “matter of Maratha reservations has been referred to the backward classes commission”.
- Lakhs of people from across Maharashtra attend a protest march in Mumbai
- This is the 58th and the largest protest march of the Maratha community
- The morcha began at 11 am from the BMC’s Jijamata Udyan and will culminate at Azad Maidan
- Protestors say that the silent protest is a peaceful way to press their demand for reservation
- CM Devendra Fadnavis responded to the protests, saying the “matter of reservations has been referred to the backward classes commission”.
'The Issue of Maratha Reservations Referred to Backward Classes Commission': CM Fadnavis
Talking about the issue of reservations to the Maratha community in the state assembly, Fadnavis said:
The matter has been referred to the backward classes commission, which will do a study on the feasibility of giving reservations to the Maratha community.Devendra Fadnavis
The Maharashtra government also announced a "grant of Rs 5 crore to build hostels for students from the Maratha community in every district".
Fadnavis Meets Maratha Morcha Representatives
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis met the representatives of the Maratha Morcha along with leaders from various other political parties.
Maratha Morcha Delegation to Meet CM Fadnavis
A delegation of the Maratha Morcha, along with Vinayak Mete - leader of the Shiv Sangram party - arrived at Vidhan Bhavan to meet Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, reported ANI.