Mumbai, September 15 (Daily Kiran) : Tensions are escalating in Mumbai as Manoj Jarange Patil, a prominent advocate for Maratha reservation, prepares for a hunger strike. With the Ganesh festival approaching, top state leaders in Maharashtra are urging restraint.
On Tuesday, as Jarange Patil departed from Antarwali Sarathi toward Azad Maidan in Mumbai, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde reiterated the government’s position regarding public order during the festive season.
Addressing the media, Fadnavis stated that the government has accepted 12 out of 14 main demands from the protesters, with the remaining requests under consideration. He emphasized the importance of minimizing public inconvenience during festivals, confirming that maintaining law and order is primarily the police’s responsibility. He noted that Jarange Patil’s initial application to protest in Mumbai was rejected.
Fadnavis added that if a new application is submitted, it will be reviewed. He expressed hope that the Ganesh festival, celebrated with great enthusiasm in Mumbai and Pune, would proceed without disruption. He acknowledged that protests are common but noted that Jarange Patil has previously led demonstrations.
Deputy Chief Minister Shinde advised against politicizing the reservation issue and expressed concerns about potential disruptions during the festival. He underscored the government’s duty to ensure the comfort of devotees during Ganesh festivities. Historically, 58 Maratha rallies have been conducted peacefully, and he urged everyone to exercise similar restraint.
Shinde acknowledged that democratic criticism is acceptable but should focus on community welfare. He affirmed that the government has maintained a positive and open-minded approach toward Maratha reservation, hoping for a similar constructive attitude from the opposing side without political motives.
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