Uddhav Thackeray seeks talks with PM Modi on Maratha quota row.
BEED
The situation in Beed, Maharashtra, has returned to normal amid heavy deployment of security personnel after protests had erupted on Monday, even as former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said that he is willing to meet the Prime Minister to speak on the issue of Maratha reservation.
Deepa Mudhol Munde, District collector, Beed, said, “The situation is peaceful and there have been no law and order problems since the night of October 30. Section 144, which prohibits gatherings of more than four people, is still in effect. We have issued orders for an internet ban.”
“The decision to curb restriction will be taken after discussion with senior officials. After analysing the complete situation, a final decision will be taken,” she added.
Superintendent of Police, Beed, Nand Kumar Thakur said, “Right now Section 144 is operational, the situation is under control and we are implementing it at various places and our patrolling is going on. There has been no incident since the evening and we have made security arrangements at various places. The police have arrested over 40 people in connection with the protests.”
He said, “The internet is not an essential service and that it is often used to spread misinformation and incite violence. It will be banned.” The Maratha reservation issue has seen several incidents of violence in the past few days.
In Beed, District Collector Dipa Mudhol Munde on Monday issued prohibitory orders under CrPC 144(2) in a 5-kilometre radius area in the wake of the violent incidents over the Maratha reservation in the district. The prohibitory orders have been issued from the District headquarters and all taluka Headquarters in the district.
The decision has been taken by the authorities after several incidents of violence took place in Beed city on Monday. Earlier, a group of pro-Maratha reservation protestors torched the office of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in Beed city on Monday.
The group of protesters also set the residences of NCP MLA Sandeep Kshirsagar and the state’s former minister Jay Kshirsagar on fire. On Monday, NCP MLA Prakash Solanke’s residence in Maharashtra’s Beed was also set on fire by a group of pro-Maratha reservation protesters.
Meanwhile, Uddhav Thackeray alleged that the Maharashtra government had been negligent on the issue “Both the deputy CM’s of Maharashtra were absent from the meeting on Maratha reservation. One Deputy Chief Minister has gone to Raipur and the other one is sick”. Speaking of the violence in the state, Thackeray said that those who are indulging in arson just want to defame Maharashtra. The former Maharashtra CM also expressed his readiness to meet the Prime Minister and resolve the issue of the state.
“Reservation should be given to the Maratha community without compromising the rights of all communities”, he said. Uddhav Thackeray demanded a special session to discuss and resolve the issue of the Maratha reservation. “If this matter goes to the Lok Sabha, this matter can be resolved If the issue is resolved by calling a special session, then definitely call it. It is the duty of the Prime Minister to pay attention to what is going on in the state. The issue of Maharashtra reservation should be raised in the cabinet”, Thackeray said.
“Six to seven ministers should talk about the unrest in the state and show readiness to resign. If the Prime Minister is not affected by this, all 48 MPs should resign. This is the time for Maharashtra unity. We have heard Maan ki baat, now listen to Jan ki Baat”, he said.
