Mumbai: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis was embarrassed at Paithan in Aurangabad district on Sunday when Chhava, an outfit advocating Maratha reservation, held a protest during his campaign rally and interrupted it. Dozens of Chhava workers shouted slogans and demanded that the government approve reservation for the Maratha community. In another rally, the CM indicated that if the BJP-Sena does not emerge victorious in the municipal council elections, the government could stop financial aid to municipal councils since the key of the state’s exchequer is in his hand.
Mr Fadnavis was on a tour to Aurangabad and Latur districts to address campaign rallies. On Sunday, he addressed rallies at Gangapur in the morning, Paithan, Ausa and Nilanga in the afternoon and Udgir and Ahmedpur later on for municipal council polls scheduled on December 14. In Paithan, a few Chhava workers tried to go up on the stage where Mr Fadnavis was addressing the gathering. The workers were shouting slogans demanding reservation for the Maratha community. They also shouted slogans against the chief minister. The police detained seven of the Chhava workers from the rally tent.
Chhava has been campaigning aggressively for reservation for the Maratha community. The CM said that the key of the state exchequer is in his hand and the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance is ruling the state. “If you want development, you should vote for the alliance. The second phase of the municipal council elections will be held in Aurangabad and Latur dis to elect 324 councillors among 14 civic councils.
