Maharashtra on the edge after Bhima Koregaon clashes kill one
After one person was killed in clashes at the anniversary celebrations of the 1818 Bhima Koregaon battle, anger spilled over across Maharashtra. In Mumbai, Dalit protestors stopped trains and vehicles, downed shop shutters and vandalized establishments and buses. Incidents were reported from Bhandup, Chembur, Mulund, Kurla and elsewhere. Section 144 was imposed. Meanwhile, Dalit organizations have called for a Maharashtra bandh tomorrow.
The significance of the 1818 Bhima Koregaon battle
In 1818, over 20,000 Peshwas led by Baji Rao II battled with 500 soldiers of the East India Company, mostly Dalits, in Bhima Koregaon. In a massive feat, the Peshwas were defeated. It has now become a symbol of victory over casteism and Dalit pride.
Fadnavis announces Rs 10L for kin of victim
Today, protesters took to the streets, demanding action against those involved in the violence. Shops were forcibly closed and vehicles stopped in Sion, Panvel, Govandi, Mulund, Chembur and others. Many train stations were shut down. Protesters tried to march towards Ambedkar Garden, but were stopped by police at Chembur Naka. Appealing for calm, CM Devendra Fadnavis announced Rs. 10L compensation for the victim's kin.
Traffic, train movement halted, stone pelting reported
Meanwhile, traffic on the Eastern Express Highway, Sion-Panvel Road and JVLR was hit badly. Mumbai Police urged residents to take alternate routes. Toll charges were lifted. Trains on the Harbor Line were also delayed. Bus services were partially suspended after some were damaged. There were reports of stone-pelting even at police stations. A journalist was reportedly attacked in the Amar Mahal area.
Political opponents slam BJP over the chaos
Meanwhile, political leaders slammed BJP over the situation. NCP's Sharad Pawar blamed poor management by authorities. "More attention was needed." "A central pillar of the RSS/BJP's fascist vision is that Dalits should remain at the bottom of society," tweeted Rahul Gandhi, hailing Bhima-Koregaon as "symbol of Dalit resistance". Jignesh Mavani said, "Everyone should take inspiration from the Koregaon Bhima and fight against BJP-RSS."
