Maratha Leader Jarange Patil’s Style Of Mass Agitations Likely To Gain Momentum

A new formula for public agitations is likely to emerge following the conclusion of the Maratha reservation demand stir led by its proponent Manoj Jarange Patil in Mumbai. Thousands of his followers camped in the metropolis, paralysing south Mumbai activities. Tonnes of food and thousands of drinking water bottles started pouring into Mumbai to feed the protestors from all parts of Maharashtra. So much so that, after Jarange’s departure, it became a challenge for the civic authorities to dispose of the food stocks. Taking a cue, former MLA Bachchu Kadu has asked his followers to prepare for a similar agitation in the near future. Kadu has asked his followers in a Bhandara meeting that they should mobilise funding for arranging vehicles and carry five kilos of rice and wheat to prepare for staying over in Mumbai for a week or so. No timeline or even a specific plan has been announced by him though the possibility persists. Another major issue now is the Dharavi slum rehabilitation project, perhaps the largest such in the world. The Adani group is handling it. There are many complaints that the project affected people are not being given due justice. A Shiv Sena leader, Baburao Mane, has hinted of organising a mass protest on the lines of the Maratha agitation. He, too, is yet to outline a plan of action. However, it seems that a new formula for expressing opposition is emerging.