Marathwada Farmers Rally in Mumbai for Reservation Rights

Thousands of farmers and villagers from Marathwada have converged in Mumbai to support activist Jarange Patil in their quest for reservation rights. This marks a significant moment for many, as it is their first experience in India’s bustling financial capital, a stark contrast to their rural lives filled with challenges. Armed with determination and a sense of urgency, they chant slogans reflecting their resolve: “Ek Maratha, Lakh Maratha.”

Struggles and Aspirations Unite Protesters

The journey to Mumbai is extraordinary for the participants, who have traveled from villages characterized by mud paths and limited infrastructure. Venkat Hamburde, a 36-year-old soybean farmer, expressed his astonishment at the city’s modernity. “I never dreamt of visiting Mumbai in my entire life. But if it weren’t for Jarange Patil and the Maratha Morcha, our villagers would never have come here,” he stated, revealing the weight of a loan exceeding Rs 2 lakh that he struggles to repay.

For Hamburde and others, the protest is not merely about immediate needs but concerns for future generations. “Aarakshan aamcha hakkacha, nahi kunachya baapacha” translates to “Reservation is our right, not anyone’s father’s,” capturing the essence of their fight. Many participants believe that failure to secure these rights could jeopardize their children’s future.

The protest has attracted individuals from various districts in Marathwada, including Nanded and Latur. One protester emphasized the need for collective action, stating, “If we don’t stand up today, our future generations will be left with nothing.” The sentiment resonates across the crowd, many of whom feel let down by previous government commitments.

“We trusted the present government once, but they did not take us seriously,” said Balaji Zadke, a farmer and social worker from Nanded. He pointed to inconsistencies in the issuance of Kunbi certificates, which have left many families divided. “In some families, the elder brother got a certificate, while the younger one was refused. This is nothing short of betrayal,” he added.

Contrasting Lives: Village and City

The stark differences between urban and rural life are evident to the protesters. “We don’t have wide tar roads in our village — only mud and stones,” remarked Satish Shinde, a postgraduate in Computer Science who now farms in Khandala village. He noted the lack of basic facilities in rural areas, such as streetlights, contrasting sharply with the well-lit streets of Mumbai.

Shinde also highlighted the sense of community in villages, stating, “In the city, people live crammed in concrete houses, rushing through life. In villages, even if one family doesn’t cook, others step in to feed them. That sense of community is priceless.” This perspective underscores the emotional connection these villagers maintain to their roots, even as they fight for recognition in the city.

Many protesters have taken the opportunity to explore Mumbai, eager to see landmark sites such as the Gateway of India. “We don’t want to miss visiting the seashores of Mumbai,” said participants from Nanded. They also remain connected to their cultural practices, with Ajit Amburde noting that celebrations for Ganesh Chaturthi continue back home while they advocate for their cause in the city.

The rally represents not only a quest for reservation but also a broader struggle for identity and acknowledgment. As the protesters gather, their unity and determination are palpable, echoing their belief that this fight is essential for their future. With their voices raised in solidarity, the Marathwada villagers aim to make their presence felt in the heart of India’s financial landscape, determined to return home victorious.