Jalna clash: Protesters should be heard, says BJP leader

BJP leader Pankaja Gopinath Munde has strongly criticized the lathi-charge on protesters in Jalna, where individuals were demanding reservations for the Maratha community. Munde emphasized the importance of listening to the grievances of the protesters and conducting a fair investigation into the incident.
The clash between police and protesters, who were advocating for Maratha reservations in Jalna, led to the use of lathi charges by the police. In response, Munde condemned the incident and expressed solidarity with the injured protesters, including children and the elderly.
Munde stressed that protesters, like elected representatives such as MPs and MLAs, should have their voices heard and be given due importance. She called for a fair and impartial investigation into the matter to ensure justice for those affected by the lathi-charge.
Several opposition leaders, including Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Congress leader Ashok Chavan, have also denounced the actions of the chief minister Eknath Shinde-led state government in response to the incident.
Uddhav Thackeray, after meeting with the protesters in Sarati Antarwali village, urged prime minister Narendra Modi to address the issue of Maratha reservations in a special session of Parliament. He cited previous efforts during his party’s time in power to engage with protesters without resorting to lathi-charges.
Congress leader Ashok Chavan described the incident as “inhuman” and highlighted the protesters’ expectation that their concerns would be heard politely by the administration.
The lathi-charge in Jalna has sparked widespread condemnation and calls for a fair resolution to the Maratha reservation issue.