Nagpur, September 12 (Daily Kiran) : Maharashtra’s Revenue Minister, Chandrashekhar Bawankule, emphasized the importance of maintaining peace during the Ganesh Festival. Speaking on Saturday, he urged political and social organizations to refrain from protests in Mumbai during this significant celebration.
His remarks came in response to an announcement by Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarande Patil, who plans to launch an indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan starting September 19. Bawankule, addressing the media in Nagpur, highlighted the drought affecting crops in nearly 18 districts across Maharashtra. He had met with district collectors on Friday and scheduled a follow-up meeting to assess the situation further.
When discussing Jarande’s hunger strike, the minister warned that large-scale protests during the festival could pose serious law and order challenges for local residents. He referenced directives from the Mumbai High Court regarding public order, urging all political and social groups to avoid protests at this time. “Ganesh Festival is the country’s largest festival, and it is crucial to maintain peace. No community’s rights, including those of the Marathas, will be compromised,” he stated.
Bawankule defended the state government’s actions, asserting that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde have made decisions to address the Maratha community’s demands. He noted that public sentiment is against personal criticisms of the leaders, as significant relief has been provided to the Maratha community during their terms.
He appealed for patience from community leaders, asking them to allow the government sufficient time to address remaining concerns. Focusing on the agricultural crisis, Bawankule reiterated that the government’s top priority is to provide immediate assistance to farmers facing severe drought conditions to prevent suicides.
“The Chief Minister has instructed the Chief Secretary and me to initiate a statewide survey immediately. District collectors have been directed to plan local relief measures in accordance with government regulations,” he explained. A comprehensive report assessing the drought situation across Maharashtra will be presented to the Chief Minister on Tuesday, followed by a formal proposal for an official relief package in the upcoming cabinet meeting.
Manoj Jarande has announced plans to march to Mumbai to begin his indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan. Addressing a gathering in Antarwali Sarati, he outlined the march’s route and urged police and the Chief Minister not to obstruct their path. He stated that the march symbolizes the pride and existence of the Maratha community. Jarande called on supporters along the route to join them, even if they cannot reach Mumbai, and encouraged community members to pause their work and participate in the movement on the specified dates.
“We want to conduct our hunger strike peacefully and democratically. If the police stop us anywhere on the highway, we will not remove barricades or confront officials. Wherever we are halted, we will sit peacefully on the road,” he declared.
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