Mega morcha: OBC, tribals to walk to CSMT on Monday

MUMBAI: Claiming they are disappointed with the BJP-led government’s policies, OBC (Other Backward Classes) and VJNT (Vimukt Jaati. or denotified tribes, and Nomadic Tribes) groups have organised an Elgar Morcha from Byculla to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus on Monday.
Following a meeting with chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday, a delegation of the Dhangar community said they were disappointed that instead of giving them the much-demanded ‘Scheduled Tribe’ status, the state government had only offered to make a recommendation to the Centre.The delegation said they felt ‘cheated’ as one of the BJP’s poll promises in 2014 was ST status for the community.
The OBC, VJNT Sangharsh Samiti, which is spearheading the demonstration, also wants to pressure the government not to include Marathas in the OBC category.
The Samiti has demanded the 16% quota given to Marathas should be revoked, and the existing state backward classes commission and its report on Maratha quota should be scrapped. Chandrakant Bavkar, a Kunbi leader and convenor of the Samiti said, “We want OBC and VJNT quota to be protected and ensure Marathas are not included,” he said.