Mumbai: A day after the Maratha morcha, Maharashtra’s political corridors are abuzz with tales of chief minister Devendra Fadnavis’s success in managing the situation, politically. Rajya Sabha MP Sambhaji Raje Bhosale and Congress MLA Nitesh Rane were seen on the stage at Azad Maidan, during the rally. The buzz was that Mr Fadnavis managed to pacify the protesters smoothly, helping BJP in its attempt to bring the Maratha community within its fold.
Since the community started marching in lakhs in August 2016, it was a considered a political challenge for CM Fadnavis. The morcha in Mumbai was the last in the series. It has created a politically tense environment as lakhs of people were coming to the financial capital of the city to demand reservation. Their demands include reservation for the community as well as capital punishment for the accused in the Kopardi rape case, which is currently sub judice, and therefore out of Mr Fadnavis’ jurisdiction.
Taking note of the situation, Mr Fadnavis is believed to have asked his party colleagues and leaders of the Maratha agitation to discuss the issues with the core committee of the protestors. A large number of protestors have been demanding firm replies on both the issues from the government.
As a part of the strategy, Mr Fadnavis assured the delegation of protestors of complete assistance and asked the Maratha leaders to mediate for the government. This helped him in earning the confidence of the Maratha leaders as well as of the community at large. The Maratha community makes up 31 per cent of the total population in the state.
