Lakhs of people belonging to the Maratha community from different parts of Maharashtra converged in Mumbai today as part of their campaign to press for reservation in jobs and education among other demands. The massive silent march began amid tight security from the Jijamata Udyan in Byculla this morning which culminated at historic Azad Maidan. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis who met representatives of Maratha Kranti Morcha this afternoon announced that the Backward classes commission will study the feasibility of giving reservation to the community. Speaking in the Assembly, he also announced state government’s plan to provide land and grant of Rs 5 crore to build hostels for students from Maratha community in every district.
Here are highlights from the ‘Maratha Kranti Morcha’ rally:
05: 33 pm: Govt announces land and grant of Rs5 crore to build hostels for students from Maratha community in every district: CM Devendra Fadnavis in Maharashtra Assembly
05:33 pm: Matter referred to Backward classes commission which will do a study of feasibility of giving reservation to Maratha community: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis
04:02 pm: Maratha Kranti Morcha protesters reach Azad Maidan in Mumbai.
03:43 pm: Delegation of Maratha Morcha with BJP ally Shiv Sangram party leader Vinayak Mete arrived at Vidhan Bhavan in Mumbai to meet Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis.
Also Read: Maratha Kranti Morcha: Saffron sea at Azad Maidan as protest march reaches Mumbai
03:40 pm: Maratha Protester Make way for Ambulance during Rally in Mumbai
1:20 pm:
12:20 pm: At Azad Maidan, where the Maratha morcha will culminate later today, the campaigners raised slogans as Mumbai BJP chief Ashish Shelar reached the venue. Some of the campaigners said that they don't want politicians to interfere.
11:45 am: Maharashtra Assembly adjouned till 1:30 pm amid vociferous demands by opposition and ruling party MLAs demanding reservations for the Maratha community
11:40 am:
11:35 am: Shiv Sena MLAs protest outside Maharashtra Assembly demanding reservation for Maratha community
11:24 am: Navi Mumbai: APMC market Vashi shutdown during the Maratha Morcha march
11:20 am:
11:15 am: No toll will be collected today from vehicles coming into Mumbai in order to avoid delays at collection points, considering the large number of vehicles entering the city.
11:12 am: Traffic police cordon off all roads leading to Azad Maidan
11:10 am: Patidar quota leader Hardik Patel extends support to Maratha Mukti morcha
10:53 am: BJP chief Ashish Shelar is prevented from entering Azad Maidan, where the rally will end, according to TV reports
10:00 am:
