NEW DELHI: "If you cannot give us reservation, then shoot us dead," said Nanded farmer Maruti Patil, who has arrived to take part in activist Manoj Jarange's Maratha quota stir on Friday.
Other protesters, who have been arriving in the metropolis over the past few days and heading to the iconic Azad Maidan near Central Railway’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, echoed Patil’s defiance, declaring they would not leave until the quota agitation achieved victory.
"If you can't give us reservation, then we don't want to live. The government should give shoot at sight orders and kill us. The government has no idea how difficult our lives are," 40-year-old Patil said at the Azad Maidan on Thursday night.
Patil and many others like him braved the rains to show support for Jarange, taking shelter under trees, on footpaths, and inside the subway near CSMT.
"It is shameful that the government did not bother to install a temporary structure to shield those taking part in the agitation. Everything is wet, and the ground is full of slush," said Patil.
Had this rally been led by a prominent leader, the civic body would have erected huge pandals and sheds, said Uddhav Nimbalkar, a resident of Moha village in Beed district's Parli area. "We don't deserve such treatment," he said.
The government should grant Marathas reservation from the OBC quota in a single day, Nimbalkar said, adding that chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has “no idea” how large the stir could grow.
"He should not test us. If he is not able to give us reservation, then he should vacate the CM's post," Nimbalkar added.
Beed resident Balasaheb Deshmukh said the Maratha community was struggling and unable to provide proper education to their children.
Escorted by hundreds of vehicles, 43-year-old Manoj Jarange, who began his march from his village Antarwali Sarati in Jalna district on Wednesday, arrived in Mumbai on Friday morning.
He is set to begin his agitation at Azad Maidan in south Mumbai from Friday.
Jarange has been demanding a 10% quota for Marathas under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category. He has also called for all Marathas to be recognised as Kunbis—an agrarian caste listed under the OBC category—which would make them eligible for reservation in government jobs and education.
(With inputs from agencies)The TOI City Desk is an indefatigable team of journalists dedicat...
Read MoreThe TOI City Desk is an indefatigable team of journalists dedicated to bringing you the pulse of cities from across the nation, all day and all night. Our mission is to curate, report, and deliver city news that matters to readers of The Times of India. With a keen focus on urban life, governance, culture, and local issues, we provide a comprehensive view of the ever-evolving cityscapes. Our team works tirelessly to keep readers informed about the latest developments, ensuring that they are connected to the heartbeat of cities across India, right when it happens. The TOI City Desk is a trusted source for staying in touch with the local stories that shape your world.
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