Leaders defy parties, come out in support of Marathas’ demands

PUNE: At the risk of being alienated by their vote-bank, Maratha leaders belonging to the community are coming out in support of the demands made during silent protests

PUNE: At the risk of being alienated by their vote-bank, Maratha leaders belonging to the community are coming out in support of the demands made during silent protests rallies across Maharashtra even as their parties shy away from taking a stand.

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On Wednesday, senior Congress member and the Leader of Opposition in the state assembly Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil and Rajya Sabha MP Chhatrapati Sambhaji Raje supported demands, which include repealing of the Prevention of Atrocities Act. Both leaders while justifying the mobilisation of the community on a large scale said they would participate in the rally to be held at Ahmednagar on Friday.

“I am a part of Maratha community and their demands are mine. I am going to participate in rallies in the next few days,” said Sambhaji Raje, who was nominated to Rajya Sabha after the BJP recommended him.

Lok Sabha member of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) from Satara Udayanraje Bhosale has also extended his support by promising to participate in a march at Satara on October 3. Bhosale, a descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji like Sabhaji Raje, challenged the party leadership saying the Atrocity Act should be scrapped.

Bhosale’s remarks were in contrast with NCP president Sharad Pawar who said there is no need to repeal the Act. “The Atrocities Act should be scrapped as 90% of the cases registered under the Act are bogus,” Bhosale said. The NCP leader also reprimanded his party chief saying, “Whatever you are today is only because of the community who can disown you if you ignore their plight.”

Pawar initially supported the demand placed by the community members but later claimed that he never said the Atrocities Act should be repealed.