In a poignant expression of frustration over the government’s prolonged inaction on the Maratha reservation issue, protesters in Chinchwad resorted to performing the Dashakriya ritual on Tuesday, October 31. The ceremony was organized by the Pimpri Chinchwad Maratha Kranti Morcha to draw attention to the ongoing hunger strikes and agitations for Maratha reservation.
The demand for Maratha reservation has been a persistent and unresolved issue, with the government exceeding its promised 30-day deadline by an additional 17 days, making it a total of 47 days without a resolution. Manoj Jarange-Patil has been on a hunger strike for the past seven days at Antarvali Sarati, while the Maratha community’s youth has resorted to drastic measures, including self-immolation, to bring attention to their dire situation.
Despite these desperate actions, the government has yet to announce a concrete stance on the Maratha reservation issue. In response to this lack of progress, a government representative participated in the Dasakriya ritual at Morya Gosavi Dashkriya Vidhi Ghat in Chinchwadgaon, an event organized by the Maratha Kranti Morcha in Pimpri Chinchwad.
The Dashakriya ceremony saw the active participation of women, who passionately expressed their disappointment with the government’s handling of the matter. Manoj Jarange Patil, a prominent figure in the Maratha reservation movement, had initially received assurances from Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who promised a decision within 40 days. However, despite various meetings and programs held by the Chief Minister and Deputy Minister, a definitive resolution on the Maratha reservation issue remains elusive, leaving many to feel that the government has let down the Maratha community.
