Maratha Kranti Morcha in Mumbai 2017 highlights: Fadnavis assures reservation, offers sops to students and farmers

Devendra Fadnavis gives his statement on the floor of Maharashtra Assembly

My statement in legislative assembly on our meeting with representatives of #MarathaMorcha and all political parties https://t.co/Ps86vRFXbI pic.twitter.com/yPHY8ecaVQ

— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) August 9, 2017

Devendra Fadnavis gives his statement on the floor of Maharashtra legislative council

My statement in legislative council on our meeting with representatives of #MarathaMorcha and all political partieshttps://t.co/TmovUcsoue https://t.co/RBjF5XwLqh

— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) August 9, 2017

In case traveling to and from South Mumbai, here is a map of closed, diverted roads

Indigo Airlines asks Mumbaikars to plan travel keeping in traffic congestion due to Maratha Morcha

#6ETravelAdvisory: Mumbai is facing heavy traffic congestion due to Maratha Morcha. Request all passengers to plan their travel accordingly.

— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) August 9, 2017

Drones used to keep an eye on crowd

The Mumbai Police took help of drones on Wednesday to keep an eye on unruly elements. Videos beamed from drones along with from CCTV cameras were monitored by the police control room.

Maratha representatives during meeting with Devendra Fadnavis | ANI

Mumbai: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis met representatives from #MarathaMorcha and leaders from all political parties. pic.twitter.com/69z6LC5R2r

— ANI (@ANI) August 9, 2017

Backward Classes Commission to look into feasibility of reservation

Matter referred to Backward classes commission which will do a study of feasibility of giving reservation to Maratha community: Maha CM

— ANI (@ANI) August 9, 2017

Narayan Rane speaks out on Maratha reservation

Rane, who was the head of the one-man commission which recommended Maratha reservation, said that from now on he would focus on whether the government sticks to its promise of ’time-bound’ implementation of reservation policy. 

IBN Lokmat

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Call for Muslim reservation 

While the House was discussing the Maratha reservation, a section of MLAs, which included Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi and AIMIM MLA Waris Pathan sought an answer from the Fadnavis government for ignoring legislations on providing Muslim reservation. Azmi also said that the country would never make any progress unless Muslim interests are taken care by the government.

Good news for Maratha students

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis told the Assembly that the cut off for student scholarship for Maratha students would be reduced from 60 to 50 percent. Also every district in Maharashtra will get separate hostel for Maratha students. 605 courses which were once exclusively for only SC/ST students will also be made avialble to Maratha candidates.

Sambhaji raje’s message to protesters 

I am not a leader 

I have come forcefully 

I have not come as part of any political group 

I have come here to get whatever we can get 

I am not a leader

Fadnavis issues statement, promises ’time-bound action’

Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said that the Cabinet will appoint a sub committee to look into the reservations and other demands of Maratha Morcha. Fadnavis said that Chandhrakant Patil will head the committee. The chief minister also said that the government will also start various schemes to help the Maratha community. The government will also provide 18 Maratha communities with caste identification cards. Fadnvais added that farmers with loans of over 10 lakh rupees will be helped by the government. On the Kopardi rape and murder case, Fadnavis said that the case is in the final stages now.

A bit about the speeches at Azad Maidan

The unique aspect of the protest is that all the speakers at Azad Maidan are young women. The fiery speeches attack the present day government for its inaction in the rape and murder of a Maratha girl in Kopardi. While invoking the past glory of the Maratha empire, the speeches then ponder upon the poverty of Maratha farmers in Marathwada. Most of the speakers, who seem to be college students, talk about the plight of meritorious Maratha students losing out to SC/OBC/ST candidates in terms of getting admitted to top notch colleges.

Manjul’s take on the Maratha morcha

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Devendra Fadnavis to make statement at 3 pm

After unruly scenes, the Maharashtra Assembly was adjourned till 3 pm. After Maratha leaders meet Fadnavis, it is likely that the chief minister may issue an statement on the issue.

Meeting with Devendra Fadnavis going on 

The steering committee of the Maratha morcha is meeting Fadnavis, Five political leaders have also accompanied members of the morcha. They are: Vinayak Mete, senior Congress leader Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, state minister Subash Deshmukh, NCP leaders Jayant Patil and Ajit Pawar.

Shiv Sena MLAs protest outside Vidhan Bhavan 

Sea of humanity outside CST 

Report from Ground Zero 

Around 15,000 Maratha volunteers are cleaning the streets of Mumbai. Several Muslim NGOs are also distributing water.

Government makes promises to protesters
 

According to _IBN Lokmat, g_overnment will set up a subcommittee, which will be accorded the Cabinet rank. In addition, the decisions taken by the subcommittee won’t need Cabinet approval. Government will ask state backward commission to submit its report within prescribed time.

Maratha leaders arrive at Vidhan Bhavan

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Maratha delegation arrive to meet Fadnavis

Delegation of Maratha leaders, escorted by minister Subhash Deshmukh, have arrived at the Vidhan Bhavan to meet Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, reports IBN Lokmat.

Maharashtra doctors join protests

According to The Indian Express, approximately 10,000 doctors from various parts of Maharashtra have joined the rally. The report added that about 30 percent of the doctors, who are members of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), have joined the protest in Mumbai.

Eknath Shinde backs Maratha protesters in state Assembly

In the state legislature, Shiv Sena members, led by Eknath Shinde, supported the demands of the Maratha community.

The party MLAs raised slogans on the steps of the Vidhan Bhavan.

Shinde said, “We completely support the demands of the Maratha community. A large section of the community is deprived of education, good income sources and skills that would get them good jobs. Reservation in education and jobs could be one way of supporting them.”

“The other demands, such as strict action against those who had allegedly sexually assaulted the girl and murdered her, will be given the required support,” he said.

PTI

What are the protesters’ demands?

The silent protest is a peaceful way to press the demands for reservation in jobs and educational institutions and punishment for accused in the Kopardi case, according to those marching.

Their other demands include amendments in SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities Act) to stop its misuse, loan waiver to curb farmer suicides and remunerative prices for agricultural produce.

PTI

Maratha morcha leaders to submit memorandum to Maharashtra chief minister

“A delegation of Maratha leaders will call on the chief mInister to submit a memorandum listing their various demands. Though there are many issues, stress will be on education and reservations for the Maratha community members,” former chief minister Narayan Rane, a prominent Maratha leader, told IANS.

Rane headed a special committee appointed by the previous Congress-Nationalist Congress Party regime to study the socio-economic conditions of the Maratha community.

Wednesday’s march has secured the support of all political parties with even the NDA constituents Shiv Sena and Republican Party of India-A announcing their support late Tuesday.

IANS

We are LIVE from Azad Maidan 

Government to begin talks with protesters: Reports

IBN Lokmat reports that the government has appointed state minister Subhash Deshmukh to serve as an intermediary with the Maratha morcha leaders.

Watch: Bird’s-eye view of protesters at Azad Maidan

Aerial view of Azad Maidan 

Heavy rains lash south Mumbai

Former chief minister Ashok Chavan joins protesters

Maratha leader warns government 
 

“If there is no action, then the coordination committee will meet and decide about the way we are going to carry out our aggressive agitation,” Shantaram Kunjir, a Maratha leader told The Indian Express.

Meanwhile.. this is how JJ Flyover looks at 12.45 pm

Congress leader Narayan Rane reaches Azad Maidan

Narayan Rane has reached Azad Maidan. Rane’s entry is significant as he was heading a one-man commission which looked into the Maratha reservation policy during the Congress-NCP government.

Devendra Fadnavis to make ‘important announcement’: IBN Lokmat

IBN Lokmat reports that Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis is likely to announce the formation of a committee comprising several Maratha leaders to look into reservation. Fadnavis is likely to meet leaders of the Maratha protests and Maratha MLAs and make an announcement in the Vidhan Sabha on Wednesday.

Maratha leaders warn politicians to stay away

While Opposition MLAs are on their way to support the silent march taken out by the Maratha community, those leading the march have warned polticians from both the Opposition as well as the ruling party to stay away.

JJ Flyover at 12.30 pm

WATCH: Eknath Shinde urges protesters to keep calm

Eknath Shinde reaches Hutatma Chowk

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MSRDC minister Eknath Shinde has reached Hutatma Chowk and is appealing to the protesters to calm down. Standing on the top of a taxi, the Shiv Sena minister is urging protesters not to move towards Mantralya: IBN Lokmat

Kolhapur’s titular ruler Shahu Maharaj says time is running out 

Shahu Maharaj, the titular ruler of Kolhapur, has also joined the protesters in demanding reservation for the Maratha community. Talking to IBN Lokmat, he said that this is their last opportunity to get reservation. He added that it will be good if the government can take a decision on Wednesday itself.

Opposition MLAs to join protesters

All Opposition MLAs are set to go to Azad Maidan in support of the Maratha protesters. The Maharashtra Vidhan Sabha has been adjourned till 3 pm, reports IBN Lokmat.

Yet again, protesters move towards Mantralaya

IBN Lokmat reports that a few protesters have, yet again, moved towards Mantralaya. A Shiv Sena MLA is reportedly escorting these protesters.

JJ Flyover at 11.55 am

#WATCH Mumbai: Visuals of #MarathaKrantiMorcha rally demanding reservation pic.twitter.com/zCozsaeOek

— ANI (@ANI) August 9, 2017

Sea of humanity between Byculla and JJ Flyover 

There are already around two lakh protesters at Azad Maidan. The route between Byculla and JJ Flyover is chock-a-block. And thousands more are expected to join in.

The Maratha protesters’ demands

The protesters are demanding reservation for Marathas, death sentence for the accused in the Kopardi gangrape case, implementation of Swaminathan Committee’s report.

Image courtesy: IBN Lokmat

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Even Shiv Sena MLAs join Opposition in demanding reservation

Mumbai: Shiv Sena MLAs protest outside Maharashtra Assembly demanding reservation for Maratha community pic.twitter.com/6A4Dxrxzdu

— ANI (@ANI) August 9, 2017

Maratha march kicks off

Image courtesy: Parag Shinde

Ajit Pawar slams government

“Everybody is focused on the morcha. Everyne felt that government will do something in the Khopardi rape and murder case, the Swaminathan committee report will be implemented. Today, we have asked them to stop Question Hour and discuss the Maratha  issue. But government is not interested. A section of government wants to provide reservation. We do not want any politics. We had given reservation of 16% to Marathas. but now after one year, we have got justice. We want no one to be affected by our reservation.The government is not interested in running the Assembly. But government MLAs were manhandled. The double game by the government won’t be accepted,”  says NCP leader Ajit Pawar

Ruckus in Maharashtra Assembly 

While the silent protest has begun, Maharashtra Assembly is witnessing turbulent scenes. According to IBN Lokmat, Maratha MLAs from the Opposition have stormed the Well of the Assembly. The Vidhan Sabha has also been adjourned. The Congress-NCP MLAs have resorted to sloganeering and are blaming the BJP-Shiv Sena government for inaction.

Image from the silent march in Byculla 

Image courtesy: Parag Shinde

Silent march begins at Byculla

Some extremist elements want to storm Mantralaya: Sources

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While the protest has been silent and calm thus far, IBN Lokmat sources say there are some elements in the group proceeded towards the Vidhan Sabha. However, the police have brought situation under control. It is also to be noted that senior officers like Deven Bharti are on the field to stop any untoward incident.

Children of farmers lend support 

Children of farmers who committed suicide have come to Mumbai to support the silent march. 

Image courtesy: IBN Lokmat

Ashish Shelar manhandled 

Mumbai BJP chief Ashish Shelar was allegedly manhandled by protesters at Azaad Maidan in Mumbai. According to reports, this incident ocurred when the BJP leader went to the spot to lend his support to the morcha. However, the protesters stopped him from entering and told him to come only after the community gets reservation.

Colour and hues of the silent march 

Image courtesy: IBN Lokmat

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Mumbai morcha is one of the largest in city 

Until 10 am, more than 10,000 people have turned up. Police are out in force. While protesters are pouring in from various parts of Maharashtra, a large number of them who have camped at Azaad Maidan, the last stip for all protesters. The overall turnout may break the record set by gangster-turned-politician Arun Gawli, whose rally had attracted about one lakh people.

Traffic issues across Mumbai

Traffic is extremely slow on the Western Express Highway and several parts of the Eastern Freeway have been shut down. JJ Flyover has also been closed.

Sunil Tatkare urges govt to be proactive

Speaking to IBN Lokmat, NCP leader Sunil Tatkare says that the Devendra Fadnavis government must be proactive in addressing the demands of the Maratha community. He also acknowledged the help received by the Maratha community from the OBC and Muslim community in Maharashtra.

Firstpost reports from the epicentre of the protest

Joint CP Deven Bharti at Byculla Station overseeing security arrangements

Video courtesy: IBN Lokmat

Dabbawalas to back protest

The lifeline of several office-goers in Mumbai, the dabbawalas have decided to not work on Wednesday and support the Maratha morcha. Around 5,000 dabbawalas are expected to go to Azaad Maidan to voice their support, media reports said.

Maratha morcha gets support from unexpected quarters

Not just in India, but the Maratha morcha demanding reservation is also resonating in neighbouring Pakistan. A group of Marathas, who settled in Balochistan after being defeated in the battle of Panipat, have backed the protest. 

“Chief Maratha Qaumi Itehad fully supports this protest. In India, the  community is facing injustice. I condemn it strictly. Reservation in government jobs and education should be given to the Maratha community, which is its national right. Disfavour with the community will not be tolerated. We are with it in every protest,” Wadera Din Muhammad, chief of Maratha Qaumi Ittehad, Pakistan said in a Facebook post .

Check out the traffic arrangements by Mumbai Police

APMC market in Navi Mumbai sees huge Maratha gathering

Image courtesy: IBN Lokmat 

Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi backs protest

Samajwadi Party supports #MarathaKrantiMorcha.I demand Reservation for Marathas as well as Muslim Community as proposed by previous Govt.

— Abu Asim Azmi (@abuasimazmi) August 8, 2017

Maratha activists outside Byculla station

Image courtesy: Parag Shinde

Western line trains are crowded too

Video courtesy: IBN Lokmat

Traffic between King’s Circle and CST closed; No toll today 

Traffic between King’s Circle to CST has been closed as precaution ahead of the Maratha Kranti Morcha. On the other hand, the MSRDC minister Eknath Shinde has also decided that that the there will no toll taken at the five toll nakas across Mumbai today.

Central Railway to run extra trains  

Extra general coach will be attached to seven long-distance trains and there will be an additional ticket window for issuing tickets, Sunil Udasi, PRO. Central Railway said.

“We have two rakes in stand-by mode. If required, we will run them as special trains from CSMT (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Mumbai Terminus) to Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Terminus (Kolhapur) via Manmad and Karjat routes”, he said.

PTI

First train from Belapur to CST is overcrowded

Video courtesy: IBN Lokmat

Trains overcrowded 

Image courtesy: IBN Lokmat

Arrangements made for Maratha activists coming to Mumbai

There are refreshments available for the activists who are pouring in from various parts of the city. Also there are makeshift washrooms for the activists at Thane Toll Naka. Here are few images which were clicked around 7.30 am. 

Image courtesy: Parag Shinde

This is outside the BMC office at 7.30 am

Sambhaji Raje backs protest

Speaking to IBN Lokmat, the leader of the Maratha morcha, Rajya Sabha MP and scion of the Kolhapur royal family Sambhaji Raje said, " It is important to know what is the end result? What is the output from the protest? This is important to know. In 2014, I brought all leaders of community together for this cause. Next step is that we need reservation. My voice is for “jan jagruti” and like Chhatrapati Shahu helped the lower castes, I feel we must help Marathas too."

Largest congregation of Maratha protestors in Mumbai today

While more than five lakh Marathas will be gathering at Azad Maidan for the 58th and the probably the last “mukh morcha” (silent march) to ask for reservation for the community. The silent March will start at 11 am and end at 5 pm

Maratha community to take out rally in Mumbai today to demand for reservation. pic.twitter.com/bpedLHIAgc

— ANI (@ANI) August 9, 2017