Pune: Wakad Shopkeepers Participate in Maratha Reservation Protest, Several Shops Remain Closed

Wakad, 31st October 2023: Many traders in the PCMC area decided to keep their shops closed today, in response to a viral social media post that had called for a ‘Tuesday Maharashtra Bandh.’ Despite no official appeal from any organization, the rumour led to shop closures in various areas.

In specific regions like Hinjawadi, Wakad, and Bhosari, local Maratha organizations had indeed called for a bandh, and this call was observed by traders and the community. The bandh was part of the ongoing agitation for the Maratha community reservation.

Manoj Jarange, who has been on a hunger strike for the past seven days in Jalna district, has been demanding a Maratha reservation. As the government has not taken a concrete stance despite a week’s passing, the Maratha society has become increasingly resolute.

In a show of support for Jarange Patil, symbolic hunger strikes were organized at various locations across the city, including Pimple Saudagar, Kalewadi, Rahatani, Wakad, and Chinchwad on Tuesday. Protests and bandhs were also observed in Hinjawadi, Wakad, Bhosari, and other areas.

Wakad area shopkeepers participated in the bandh in response to the call made by the Maratha community. Consequently, most shops in Wakad remained closed on Tuesday as part of the day of protest.