A Maratha group has given an ultimatum to the BJP-led Maharashtra government to implement reservations for Marathas before February 10, 2018 or get ready for a massive protest on February 26, which will comprise a human chain around Vidhan Bhavan, the state assembly in Mumbai.
Sakal Maratha Samaj had called a review meeting on Monday to discuss various demands of the community. These demands primarily include reservation for Maratha community, amendment in the Atrocities Act, implementation of Dr Swaminathan Commission report for fair prices to farmers' produce and fast implementation of the Shivaji Memorial project.
"If the BJP government does not budge and meet the promised demands, the protest will be intensified in future. We have also decided to form the Sakal Maratha Samaj local level body at every village to increase awareness. People should be alert for their rights and demands," said one of the community members who was part of the meeting. He requested to remain anonymous.
He also said the BJP government should not take the Maratha community lightly.
"We are an agrarian community. Like Gujarat, we will vote against the BJP in Maharashtra if our demands are not met. We shall not spare them in the state assembly and Lok Sabha polls," he added, requesting anonymity.
Congress MLA Nitesh Rane said the party is in touch with the government over the community's demands. "We were able to give justice in the Kopardi rape and murder case. Now, reservation is one of the important subjects pending in the high court. We will pursue this with the goverment. Besides, headway is being made in other issues like hostels for Maratha students and the Shivaji Memorial. If the government does not want to do anything, we will go against the goverment. But we have to give them enough time," Rane said.
He said the Maratha community should not be in a hurry. "I am meeting a group from the community which had given the ultimatum. We will discuss the matter and take appropriate decisions."
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