New Delhi: The Maratha quota agitation in Maharashtra escalated on Monday, with several community outfits hitting the streets in Baramati district and demanding action against the police excesses on them. The protesters were furious over lathi-charge on the quota protesters in Jalna, days ago. They demanded that Ajit Pawar be shown the door from BJP-Shiv Sena government.
Eknath Shinde government, finding itself on the backfoot over the issue, resorted to damage control by issuing apology to the quota agitators.
Anticipating more fire & trouble over ‘insult’ to Maratha pride, Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis today issued apology and also assured that those taking law into their hands will have to pay the price.
“State government regrets for lathi-charge on Maratha quota protesters in Jalna district,” Fadnavis said in the press conference.
Mumbai: “Lathicharge by Police was not right… I am apologising on behalf of the Government. CM has said that the action will be taken against those who are responsible for it,” says Maharashtra Dy CM Devendra Fadnavis at the Maratha Reservation meeting chaired by CM. pic.twitter.com/777PApSgLm
— ANI (@ANI) September 4, 2023
He also informed that the decision to baton-charge the protestors was taken at the local level and the political leadership had no role in it.
Fadnavis clarification came on back of direct accusation from known Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut who claimed that lathi-charge directions were given by Maharashtra CM & home minister’s office.
Moments later, the same charge was reiterated by NCP leader Anil Deshmukh who claimed that protesters were baton charged on directions of Home Ministry.
The sudden flare up between police and group of protestors began after police tried to shift a person sitting on hunger strike for Maratha quota, to hospital. As police initiated to move him from protest site, the protestors turned violent. In return, the police baton-charged protestors and also lobbed tear gas shells to disperse the mob.
At least two dozen police personnel were injured in the protests and over 15 state transport buses set ablaze in the violence.
