ABOUT THE PROTESTS
The protests across Maharashtra after the Kopardi rape – the accused being three Dalit men – are reaching a tipping point. The Marathas are protesting to highlight three demands — reservation for Marathas, modification of the SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and punishment for the rape accused.
WHAT TRIGGERED PROTESTS?
Maratha silent protests were triggered by the brutal rape and murder of a minor girl from the community. The protests seem to be guided by hardline Maratha organisations such as Maratha Seva Sangh but an attempt is on to keep them apolitical and even leaderless.
WHAT COULD THIS LEAD TO ?
The protests threaten to polarise the state. It has pitted Marathas against Dalits over the demand to review the Atrocity Act and claim that it has been heavily misused. The ongoing protests are also leading to an insecurity among the OBC community that is now looking at coming together to stage similar protests. The BJP government is clearly rattled and the Opposition has sharpened its attack on the government.