We will hang the 3 Kopardi rapists, warn Maratha girls
Agressive girl speakers from Maratha community threatened to hang rapists of the girl in Kopardi. In a stern warning to the Chief Minister, the girl said in case the government fails to give death penalty to the rapists, Wednesday’s rally will be the last on the issue after which they will take the law into their own hands. They will also launch ‘Quit Power’ movement against the Fadnavis government on the lines of ‘Quit India’ movement that began on same day in 1942 from Mumbai against colonial British.
The Marathas’ historic march in Mumbai began from Byculla in the morning around 11 am and reached Azad Maidan near the BMC headquarters.
On three photographs adorned the dias — Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Rajmata Jijau (mother of Shivaji) and Mahatma Jotiba Phule, giving a clear signal that the rally was not political in any manner.
Following rules of Sakal Maratha community, only girl speakers between 8 and 16 years addressed the huge gathering. Except Pooja Ashok More, no other girl speakers revealed their identities.
Pooja said, “We are not happy to fight against the rulers of the state for our state to whom we have given them responsibilities. Do not force us to revert to our original profession of fighting the enemy.” She said if the Maratha leaders from the ruling government failed to give justice to the community, the community will show them their place.
Naming Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and recalling Quit India Movement, Pooja said, “Fadnavis, if you will not sorted out issues, we will initiate quit from power movement against you.”
Criticising Fadnavis’ common assurance of “Study is going on”, another speaker said, “Fadnavis, you take your time to study. But implement recommendations of Swaminathan Commission and waive off farmers’ loans timely.” She further said it was a request, not an order, but “you can now consider it as a threat”.
Taking potshots against Shiv Sena which does not celebrate the anniversary of Shivaji separately on the day officially decided date by government, the the girl said “it is disgusting why we can not celebrate the anniversary of Shivaji on a single day”.
Recalling the brutal incident
of Kopardi rape and murder incident, another girl said the Maratha community will no longer bear it. “We know how to use swords. We are followers of Shivaji and he tuaght us if anyone dares to molest our sisters, we will cut his hands and legs,” the girl threatened.
More than a dozen girls addressed the rally. They took up issues of misuse Atrocity Act, need of reservation in education and jobs, need for market price of theirs produce and safety and security of girls.
MP Chhatrapati Sambhaji Raje, Minister Subhash Deshmukh, senior Congress leader Narayan Rane, Nitesh Rane, Narendra Patil, Vinayak Mete and many leaders from the Maratha community were present at the rally. But they were not allowed to share the stage or address the rally.