Maratha Bandh: Shut Down Call In Pimpri-Chinchwad Tomorrow, Wednesday, In Support Of Jarange-Patil
Varad Bhatkhande
Pimpri-Chinchwad, 13th February 2024: A bandh has been called in Pimpri-Chinchwad on February 14, in solidarity with Maratha protester Manoj Jarange-Patil, who is on a hunger strike demanding the conversion of the state government’s draft on Maratha community reservation into law with the definition of ‘Sagesoyre’. The Maratha Kranti Morcha and Sakal Maratha Samaj are set to organize a two-wheeler rally in the city to show their support.
Pimpri Chinchwad Police PRO ACP Satish Mane told Punekar News, “The Maratha community has called for a Bandh in Pimpri-Chinchwad tomorrow (Wednesday, Feb 14). The extent of its response remains uncertain. We have instructed all police stations in our area to deploy police personnel as necessary.”
Jarange-Patil, a prominent figure in the Maratha community’s struggle for various demands, including reservation, has been on a hunger strike for the past four days. In January, he had led a massive march towards Mumbai, during which Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had acknowledged and accepted nearly all the demands on behalf of the Maharashtra government, leading to the suspension of the agitation.
The key demands include the conversion of the draft into law with the definition of Sagesoyre, withdrawal of cases against protesters in various places, including Antarwali Sarati, and the fulfillment of promises made to the Maratha community. In his hunger strike, Jarange-Patil is emphasizing the need for a special session of the state legislature to address these issues.
In a show of solidarity, the Maratha community has declared a bandh on February 14 to support Jarange-Patil’s hunger strike. The Maratha Kranti Morcha and Sakal Maratha Samaj have called for a peaceful bandh, urging the closure of the city in support of the cause.
As part of the support rally, Sakal Maratha Samaj Pimpri-Chinchwad city and Maval taluka have organized a grand two-wheeler and four-wheeler rally. Starting at nine o’clock in the morning from Dange Chowk Thergaon with a salute to the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the rally will pass through various locations, including Kalewadi Phata, Jagtap Dairy Chowk, Rahatani, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Chowk Pimpri, Chinchwad Station, Akurdi, Bhakti-Shakti Chowk Nigdi, Talegaon and Vadgaon, concluding at Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Chowk Vadgaon Maval.
The rally is planned by activists Satish Kale, Sachin Barne, Prakash Jadhav, Bhau Dhore, Vaibhav Jadhav, Narendra Murhe, Amol Dhore, Nakul Bhoir, Raosaheb Gangadhare, Vishal Murhe, Ganesh Devram, Santosh Shinde, Sagar Chinchwade, Arun Pawar, Lahu Landge Shivaji Padule, Popat Kalbhor, Maruti Bhapkar, Sunita Shinde, Sachin Kalbhor and others.
