Maratha protesters set MLAs' houses afire as stir intensifies

The ongoing agitation seeking reservation for the Maratha community took a violent turn on Monday after protesters set ablaze the bungalows of at least three MLAs and party offices, even as Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced a series of interim measures to meet the demand and appealed for peace in the state.

- Surendra P Gangan

The incidents of violence were reported from Beed and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar districts, prompting Shinde to meet governor Ramesh Bais and also hold a review meeting with his deputy, Devendra Fadnavis, later in the day, according to people aware of the developments.

The developments came even as Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil continued with his hunger strike, which he resumed on October 25, and urged protesters not to resort to violence. "I will observe the situation and announce my decision by Tuesday evening," he said.

According to police, the bungalows of two NCP MLAs - Prakash Solanke (Ajit Pawar faction) and Sandeep Kshirsagar (Sharad Pawar faction) - were set on fire in Beed district by the protesters. Former NCP MLA and minister Jaydutt Kshirsagar's office was also torched, while protesters pelted stones at BJP MLA Prashant Bamb's office and a Shiv Sena office. Solanke said he and his family were safe, but there was a huge loss of property due to the fire. "I was inside my home when it was attacked. Fortunately, none of my family members or staff were injured," Solanke said.