Raising the demand for Maratha reservation, protesters led by activist Manoj Jarange Patil entered Navi Mumbai to demonstrate at Azad Maidan in South Mumbai on Friday, January 26. Mumbai Police is actively monitoring the situation both due to the protests and Republic Day. Celebration.

The activist, who along with thousands of supporters had set out on a march from Jalna district towards Mumbai on January 20, is demanding that the state government give quota to Marathas under the OBC group in jobs and education.

Manoj Jarange appealed to Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his MLAs to come together and resolve the issue of Maratha quota. Jarange said two official delegations met him earlier in the day, but they had nothing new to offer. He said, they are discussing the same old points.

Police refused permission

Azad Maidan police station has issued a notice to activist Jarange, refusing him permission to enter the protest site and hold the fast. Police also said that the rally is not allowed to enter Mumbai as it does not have the capacity to organize large marches and then there are other events scheduled at the ground.

Mumbai Police has asked them not to protest at Azad Maidan, but they can continue their protest at the International Ground in Central Park, Kharghar in Navi Mumbai, adding that the dissidents should take permission from the concerned authorities. .

Jarange Patil’s Maratha Morcha has cited possible law and order issues due to the expected large turnout, prompting the police to send notices to the workers involved.

Legal action if someone breaks the law

Police warned that individuals attending, organizing or financially supporting the rally should participate peacefully. If anyone even remotely tries to break law and order at the protest site, that person or group will be held responsible and face legal action.

preparation for protest

Protestors were seen arriving at the protest site in trucks and tempos and collecting cylinders, water bottles, oil, ration and mattresses. They have also packed Pithala-Bhakri, the staple food of Maharashtrians.

They have started making stages where Patil and other leaders will sit and address the people. A protester told The Indian Express that hotels around the protest side were welcoming them and ready to serve tea.

Another dissident from Beed district said he was traveling with 15 people, who brought basic items like wheat and rice and a handful of winter clothes.

Jarenj calls for peaceful protest

Addressing his supporters in Lonavala, Jarange asked them to remain calm and not get agitated, and insisted that their protest was peaceful. He said two teams of officials, including one led by Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar divisional commissioner Madhukar Ardad, had met him earlier, but they did not have any new proposal.

Jarange has announced to launch an indefinite hunger strike in Mumbai from January 26 over the failure of the state government to provide reservation to Marathas in government jobs and education.

He claimed on Wednesday that so far 54 lakh records identifying members of the Maratha community as Kunbi (OBC subcaste) have been found in Maharashtra and demanded immediate issuance of caste certificates. Kunbis enjoy reservation in government jobs and admission to educational institutions under the OBC category.

road show from panvel

Patil’s road show from Panvel will go towards Vashi via Kharghar, Belapur and Nerul. Meanwhile, the Navi Mumbai Police Commissioner issued a notification on Thursday addressing diversions and restrictions in the Navi Mumbai jurisdiction in view of the protest march, which is expected to reach the city today.

Road changes while traveling to Pune, Mumbai

A large number of people joined the rally in the city, causing slow-moving traffic, while around 15,000 people from neighboring districts of Pune and beyond joined the morcha.

The morcha is expected to move towards Mumbai via Rajiv Gandhi Bridge, Jagtap Dairy, Dange Chowk, Birla Hospital Chafehar Chowk, Ahimsa Chowk, Mahavir Chowk, Tilak Chowk, Bhakti Shakti, Pune Gate, Dehu Road and Talegaon.

Vehicles going from Aundh D Mart to Sangayi Phata will not be allowed and drivers will be diverted to their desired destinations via Pol Chowk and Nagraj Road.

Traffic going from Barn Corner and Thergaon towards Thergaon Phata will have the option to turn right or take a U-turn.

CM Shinde appealed not to protest

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Wednesday appealed to members of the Maratha community not to protest as the government is thinking positively about the demand for reservation.

“The state government is positive about the demand for Maratha reservation. We will take a decision. I appeal to the Maratha community to refrain from agitating.

(With PTI inputs)