The police atrocities that have been alleged in the Maratha reservation protest in Jalna district have escalated into a political issue. Prominent MVA leaders visited the spot and met with the injured on Saturday, and condemned the state government, alleging that the police could not have taken such a drastic action without the directives from the people in power.

The violent incident evoked a strong reaction from the Maratha organisations that have been demanding reservation for the community since many years. Many districts witnessed morchas on Saturday, sporadic events of arson and in some places a badh call was given. People in know said the series of protests have already begun and they would spread across the state.

The Maratha quota was approved by the two different governments—Congress and BJP-Sena (unified)—but the courts scrapped it. The matter is still embroiled in legal mesh. The Maratha community is the largest in the state and holds a key to the success of political parties in the election race.

Ten Maratha individuals from Antarwali Sarati near Ambad in Jalana had been observing a fast in connection with the quota issue on Friday, when a huge police force reached the site. The police fired in air and used force. The protesters alleged that the police had entered the shamiyana and beaten up whoever they came across. Many people were shifted to hospital and about 350 booked. Coordinator of Maratha agitation, Abasaheb Kudekar, told news channels that he was sure about the instructions coming from higher ups in the government.

CM Eknath Shinde has denied any involvement of the government and initiated a top-level inquiry on Friday night itself. “The police action was unfortunate. We’re working on war-footing to resolve the quota issue. I was in touch with the protesters. I had requested them to break their fast because their health had deteriorated. But the protesters insisted on keeping it on,” said Shinde in a statement. Fadnavis claimed that the police administration had gone to the site, to request members to end the fast, but the police were pelted with stones. Twelve personnel were injured. 

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NCP boss Sharad Pawar was among the first to have visited the injured, who told him about the atrocities and alleged the government’s conspiracy to end the protest on Friday itself. Pawar appealed for peace, but condemned the government. “They talked to you on one side and beat you up on the other side,” he said.

BJP member of Parliament, Chhatrapati Udayanraje Bhosale, a Maratha scion, also visited the protesters and shared the dais with Pawar to address the agitated Marathas. He demanded a judicial inquiry into the atrocities, and immediate suspension of the police officers responsible. 

Senior Congress leaders were also on their way to Jalna. Former CM and Maratha leader, Ashok Chavan said, “The government should not test the patience of Marathas. The delay has agitated the community.” MNS president Raj Thackeray gave the protesters a clean chit, considering the peaceful history of Maratha agitation. “I’m sure the government was wrong here. I can say it because I have been observing the agitation for many years,” he said.

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