Maratha reservation protest: Devendra Fadnavis says matter referred to backward classes commission

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in a bid to calm thousands of protesting Marathas said the matter of their reservation has been referred to backward classes commission for feasibility.

“Matter referred to backward classes commission which will do a study of the feasibility of giving reservation to Maratha community,” Fadnavis said in Maharashtra assembly.

Giving instant relief to the Maratha protesters, Fadnavis announced Rs. 5 crores to build hostels for students from the Maratha community.

“Govt announces land and grant of Rs5 crore to build hostels for students from Maratha community in every district,” Maha CM said.

Govt announces land&grant of Rs5 crore to build hostels for students from Maratha community in every district:Maha CM D Fadnavis in assembly pic.twitter.com/yTSufFETZs

— ANI (@ANI) August 9, 2017

Thousands of people belonging to the Maratha community from different parts of Maharashtra converged on Wednesday as part of their campaign to press for reservation in jobs and education among other demands.

Amid tight security, the massive silent march began from the Jijamata Udyan in Byculla this morning with participants carrying saffron swallow tail flags.

Don't know when we will get reservation? Marathis frm across country hv gathered to put forward our demands: #MarathaKrantiMorcha supporter pic.twitter.com/GJLL1g1uzS

— ANI (@ANI) August 9, 2017

People had started arriving in the city since early morning in private vehicles as well as public modes of transport. Police and traffic personnel were deployed in large numbers to manage the huge inflow of people and the movement of vehicles in Mumbai.

Also Read | Thousands of Maratha people take out massive march to press for reservation in jobs, education in Mumbai