Maratha quota protest: Will Maharashtra CM Fadnavis adhere to HC directives?

Pune, Sep 1 (NationPress) Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated on Monday that the Maharashtra government will adhere to the Bombay High Court's directive requiring authorities to clear roads occupied by protesters by 4 P.M. on Tuesday. He emphasized that the demonstration led by pro-Maratha activist Manoj Jarange-Patil should only occur at Azad Maidan, prohibiting other locations. The government has also instructed officials to prevent additional protesters from entering Mumbai and to stop them at the borders.

“I was traveling and have not yet reviewed the court's exact statements. However, my understanding is that the permission granted to Manoj Jarange-Patil for the hunger strike was contingent upon certain conditions, which have now been breached. The court has conveyed significant dissatisfaction regarding the disturbances on the roads. The government will comply with the court's directives,” CM Fadnavis remarked.

He also asserted that it cannot be declared that law and order has deteriorated due to Jarange-Patil’s protests in Mumbai. He acknowledged that some incidents linked to the protests, including attacks on journalists, particularly women, are unacceptable and detrimental to the movement.

“Attacks on journalists, especially women, are contrary to the ethos of Maharashtra and must be universally condemned. We've witnessed over 30 Maratha marches previously, characterized by discipline and positive outcomes from the government afterward,” the chief minister noted.

“On the initial day of the protest, a few individuals raised slogans, prompting traders to close their shops. No directive was issued for the closure; traders made that choice independently. We later advised them to keep their shops open, assuring police presence, and they complied,” CM Fadnavis added.

“The government is exploring legal avenues to address the agitation initiated by Jarange-Patil, who is advocating for reservation for the Maratha community within the OBC quota. We are assessing whether a solution will withstand judicial review,” he explained.

Before heading to Pune, CM Fadnavis met with Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde, Ajit Pawar, and other ministers at his official residence, Varsha, to discuss the situation arising from Jarange-Patil’s protests.

CM Fadnavis stated that the government is committed to seeking a resolution. “We are not being obstinate or egotistical. We are actively seeking a way forward. If someone is willing to engage in dialogue, a solution will be reached promptly,” he concluded.