Pune Bandh : Partial Shutdown In City Amid Maratha Quota Protest. Check What’s Open, What’s Closed

In response to a recent incident of police action against fasting activists demanding Maratha reservations in Jalna, the Maratha Kranti Morcha (MKM), a leading organization advocating for Maratha quota rights, has called for a partial shutdown in several areas of Pune on Thursday.

The areas affected by the shutdown include Aundh, Baner, Balewadi, Bopodi, Pashan, Someshwar Wadi, Sutar Wadi, Mahalunge, and Sus.

A press conference was held in Pune city today, wherein Rajendra Kondhare, Rajendra Kunjir, Tushar Kakade, Prashant Dhumal, Balasaheb Amrale, Amar Pawar, Sachin Adekar, Yuvraj Disle, Gulabrao Gaikwad, and Shrutika Padle informed that the protest would be symbolic for one day on September 14 at Mahatma Phule Mandai.

The Maratha Kranti Morcha held a press conference in the city, calling for a constitutionally enduring government resolution (GR) regarding the Maratha reservation. The organisation also strongly demanded the withdrawal and dismissal of cases filed against the protestors.

Scheduled for Thursday, September 14, 2023, the protest will commence at Rajmata Chowk in Aundh and will feature a one-day hunger strike at Balewadi Phata.

The following are the details of this Bandh:-
Fasting Venue – Balewadi Phata (10 am to 5 pm)
Protest Venue – Rajmata Chowk (Parihar Chowk) Aundh
Time – 10 am
Date – 14 September 2023 (Thursday)

This move comes amidst the citywide bandh held earlier in various places of Pune such as Hinjewadi where, except for essential services (medical and pharmacy), all the shops were closed in this bandh till 6:00 pm, in Pimpri Chinchwad where the entire city was closed &, apart from essential services, all other shops were closed.

Other areas of the city will not be affected by the bandh, as the protestors will be holding one day hunger strike outside Mahatma Phule Mandai in Pune city area.

The announcement of the bandh has raised questions about which establishments will be open and which ones will remain closed during the protest. The Maratha Kranti Morcha office bearers have clarified that the organization will not enforce the bandh on traders, shopkeepers, or schools. However, it’s noteworthy that many traders have voluntarily chosen to support the bandh by closing their businesses for the day. As for schools, some have decided to remain closed but won’t impose closures on others.

Regarding public transportation, services provided by PMPML, autos, and taxi aggregators will continue to operate as usual. Hospitals and essential facilities will also maintain regular operations to ensure vital services remain uninterrupted despite the bandh. Many schools have opted to keep the schools closed while rest shall remain open.

This comes after a strike in Pimpri-Chinchwad on the same issue over the weekend, during which various businesses, including shops, commercial establishments, hotels, banks, and a few industrial units, remained closed. Additionally, some educational institutions opted to declare a holiday.

Shreyas Vange and Madhupriya Dhanwate