Car Of Opponent Of Maratha Reservation Attacked, Poses Questions For Sharad Pawar And Supriya

Controversial lawyer Gunaratna Sadavarte has hit the headlines again as his vehicle in Mumbai’s Parel area was damaged by three youths on Thursday (Oct 26), reportedly ardent supporters of the demand for reservations for the powerful Maratha caste in Maharashtra. Those opposing the demand include Sadavarte, who has been in the news time and again. In a major incident a few months ago, he was booked for an attack at the residence of NCP president Sharad Pawar. Now that the Maratha agitation is gaining traction, both sides have adopted intransigence stands. Sadavarte has registered his total opposition to the Maratha reservation. After his car was damaged, the police have arrested three youths, who have been enlarged on bail by court, with stipulation that they will not enter Mumbai without the court permission. The alleged attackers have been felicitated by certain Maratha groups. In view of this, Sadavarte has asked, “Why has Sharad Pawar not reacted to the attack? Supriya Sule had said recently that a ‘correct’ programme would be done for lawyers. Is this the correct programme?” No immediate response had come from Pawar or the NCP. The renewed Maratha reservation demand was viewed with concern as it has potential to incite social tensions. The violent turn has alarmed the authorities as no immediate solution to the thorny issue is seen.