In an unexpected turn of events, Wakad, a bustling part of Pune’s PCMC area, witnessed the closure of numerous shops as traders heeded an unofficial call for a ‘Tuesday Maharashtra Bandh’ that had been circulating on social media. Although no formal appeal was made by any organization, the social media rumor resulted in shop closures across various areas.
However, in specific regions such as Hinjawadi, Wakad, and Bhosari, local Maratha organizations did call for a bandh, and this call found resonance among traders and the local community. The bandh was organized as part of the ongoing agitation for the Maratha community’s reservation.
Manoj Jarange, who has been on a hunger strike for the past seven days in Jalna district, has been tirelessly advocating for a Maratha reservation. With no clear government response despite a week passing, the determination of the Maratha society has only grown stronger.
In a powerful display of support for Jarange Patil’s cause, symbolic hunger strikes were organized at various locations across the city, including Pimple Saudagar, Kalewadi, Rahatani, Wakad, and Chinchwad on Tuesday. Protests and bandhs were also witnessed in areas like Hinjawadi, Wakad, Bhosari, and others.
Wakad’s shopkeepers actively participated in the bandh, aligning themselves with the Maratha community’s call. Consequently, most shops in Wakad remained closed on Tuesday as a collective act of protest.
