Pune: In a disruptive agitation on August 16, Maratha community activists gatecrashed during a press conference organized by Dr. Neelam Gorhe, Deputy Chairperson of the Legislative Council, and urged her to clarify the Shiv Sena's position on their demand for reservation under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category.
The incident took place at the Pune Union of Working Journalists (PUWJ) building in Navi Peth, where Dr. Gorhe was scheduled to discuss the 'Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana'.
Before the press conference could begin, the protesters, chanting slogans such as "Ek Maratha, Lakh Maratha", entered the hall and presented their case. They conveyed the views of Maratha leader Manoj Jarange Patil on the issue of reservation to Dr. Gorhe.
In response, Dr. Gorhe outlined the efforts made by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to address the Maratha community's concerns.
She also referenced discussions held in the Legislative Council and stated, "If any proposal regarding Maratha reservation comes before me from the government, I will make an immediate decision as the Deputy Chairperson."
The protesters assured Dr. Gorhe that if the government includes the Maratha community in the OBC category, they would stand firmly with the Shiv Sena. Satisfied with Dr. Gorhe's response, the activists subsequently exited the hall.
Recently, Maratha community members had tore down a banner of Rajendra Kondhare in the Sarasbaug area of Pune during the "Peace Rally" by Manoj Jarange Patil.
The banner was related to a convention organized by Kondhare concerning Maratha reservations. The protesters had also halted PMPML buses at Swargate Chowk and raised slogans demanding action.
