In an effort to maintain law and order and prevent potential unrest, authorities in Maharashtra’s Jalna district have enforced a curfew in Ambad taluka. This move comes in response to a protest call issued by Maratha quota activist, Manoj Jarange-Patil. The activist had announced intentions to march to Mumbai and stage a demonstration outside the residence of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Jarange-Patil further accused Fadnavis of making attempts on his life, although specifics regarding these allegations remain undisclosed.
According to an order issued by Jalna District collector Srikrushna Panchal, concerns were raised regarding potential disruptions as individuals may gather at Antarwali Sarati village in Jalna, where Jarange-Patil has been conducting a hunger strike. The possibility of attempts to hinder his journey to Mumbai was also highlighted, potentially affecting traffic on the Dhule-Mumbai highway and surrounding areas.
The curfew, effective from midnight on Monday, will remain in place until further notice. However, certain essential services and activities have been exempted from the restrictions. Government offices, schools, movement on national highways, milk distribution, media outlets, and hospitals are among those exempted.
In response to Jarange-Patil’s allegations against Fadnavis, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde cautioned against disrupting law and order, emphasizing the need to avoid creating further tensions. Shinde also expressed skepticism towards Jarange’s rhetoric, likening it to the political narratives often associated with figures like Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray.
The tensions surrounding Maratha reservation have been brewing, with Jarange-Patil expressing dissatisfaction with the government’s actions. Despite the Maharashtra government’s recent approval of the Maratha Reservation Bill, providing for a 10% reservation in education and government jobs for the Maratha community, Jarange-Patil and supporters remain unsatisfied. This dissatisfaction led to the announcement of a statewide agitation on February 24, underscoring the ongoing complexities surrounding the issue.
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