Marathas to hold march in Delhi next month

After more than twenty silent marches for various demands including reservation, and revision of the law dealing with atrocities against scheduled castes, the Maratha community has also planned a rally in Delhi with participation from various parts of the north India. The march is expected to take place at India Gate in the second week of October.

In a meeting held at Chougule Public School in Karol Baug on Sunday evening, the organisers said it will be an assembly of at least 50,000 people from Delhi and other states including Haryana, Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir. The organisers have also hinted at the likelihood of more such marches for the demand of reviewing the atrocities act in other states such as Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Karnataka, where Marathas live in large numbers.

“After huge marches in parts of Maharashtra, the Marathas in Delhi and surrounding parts of the state have decided to organise a march either on October 16 or 23 at India Gate. Now, requests are also pouring in from other states such as Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Jammu Kashmir. Initially, we were planning an assembly of about 25,000 people, but with the rising support, it may reach to about 1 lakh,” said Pradip Patil, one of the organisers.

Patil said the rally in Delhi was important as it will help the community in raising their demand at the political power centre.

Anant Chonde, former state chief of Sambhaji Brigade, one of the prominent Maratha organisations in the state, said few more similar marches are likely to be organised in the coming days. “Our communities have some other names such as Kunbi, Rod Maratha in parts of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Haryana. We have been informed that the community wanted to organise rallies demanding the revision of the atrocities act,” he said.

Chonde also added that parts of Vidarbha, North Maharashtra and Mumbai will have 5 to 6 more marches.

First Published: Sep 26, 2016 00:37 IST