Advocate Maneshinde to fight case of Maratha protest organiser

Maneshinde alleged the BJP-led government is trying to use the same tactic that was used in Gujarat with Hardik Patel, a popular leader from the Patidar community of the state

Lawyer Satish Maneshinde has come out in support of Sanjiv Bhor Patil, one of the organisers of silent Maratha protests, who was issued an externment notice by Ahmednagar district administration. Maneshinde alleged the BJP-led government is trying to use the same tactic that was used in Gujarat with Hardik Patel, a popular leader from the Patidar community of the state.

Lawyer Satish Maneshinde alleged the BJP-led government is trying to use the same tactic that was used in Gujarat with Hardik Patel, a popular leader from the Patidar community of the state.

Bhor, also the founder of Shiv Prahar, which works for the cause of Maratha community, was issued an externment notice on October 2, on the basis of criminal cases filed against him in the past 10 years. According to the notice, Bhor will be externed from four districts — Ahmednagar, Solapur, Nashik and Pune -- for a period of two years as his presence can create serious law and order problems and disturb the communal harmony.

The move is being seen by the community as an attempt to target its leaders. Bhor has played an important role in protest against the Kopardi rape in Ahmednagar.

Maneshinde told HT, “I can see the arm-twisting tactic being used against the silent morcha. This will not work. I have decided not to charge any fee for this case. They [BJP] did this with Hardik Patel. They are now trying to do the same in Maharashtra with Maratha morchas, which are peaceful and one of the most disciplined protests.”

Pradip Salunkhe associated with the Akhil Bhartiya Maratha Mahasangh (ABMM), one of the organisers of Maratha protest, said the action indicates the intention of the government.

“It is clear the state government has now started making attempts to suppress the Maratha agitation,’’ said Bhor. “The cases includes violent agitations by activists of Sambhaji Brigade a few years ago.”

Bhor has explained his side before the sub-divisional magistrate of the district Wamanrao Kadam on October 3. The decision on the notice is now expected on October 17.