Baramati | Correspondent
Despite being denied permission to hold the OBC Elgar Morcha in Baramati due to Ganeshotsav and Eid-e-Milad security arrangements, Prof. Laxman Hake and 14 protesters went ahead with the march. Consequently, the Baramati City Police registered cases against them. However, the protesters alleged that this action was taken only on the orders of Guardian Minister and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.
On Thursday, Prof. Hake, carrying a copy of the Constitution in his hand, along with several protesters, entered the Baramati City Police Station. They demanded, “Put us in jail instead of targeting us unjustly.” Expressing anger, Prof. Hake questioned why no action was taken against activist Manoj Jarange Patil, while peaceful protesters like them were booked.
Police officials, including Inspector Vilas Nale, tried to pacify the protesters. After serving them a formal notice, the agitators returned.
Recently, under Hake’s leadership, the OBC Elgar Morcha was organized peacefully. Yet, the police filed cases against 14 individuals, sparking allegations of political vendetta. Protesters claimed the government was shielding Manoj Jarange Patil despite his caste-based remarks, while constitutional protests were being criminalized.
Several supporters, including Kaluram Chaudhary, Bapurao Solankar, Navnath Padalkar, Adv. Amol Satkar, Adv. Govind Devkate, Adv. G. B. Gawade, Kishor Masal, and Chandrakant Waghmode, were present during the protest at the police station.
Is the Government Afraid of Manoj Jarange?” Prof. Hake, addressing the media, alleged:
We protested peacefully in Baramati, yet on Ajit Pawar’s orders, cases were filed against us. Jarange made objectionable remarks against the Dhangar community but faces no action. Does he run the government? Is the state afraid of him?”
Police made us write that we will not repeat such protests. Does this mean we have no right to demand our reservation through peaceful movements?
He further alleged that in Beed district, where Ajit Pawar is the Guardian Minister, cases were filed against him, he was attacked, and his colleagues faced life-threatening assaults, but no cases were registered against the culprits. He also criticized Pawar for withholding funds from the Mahajyoti Corporation.
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