On a bright Wednesday in Mumbai, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) took to the streets in a long march to voice their discontent with the policies of the BJP-led Mahayuti government. Led by Sharad Pawar, the procession started at the Mahatma Gandhi statue near Mantralaya and ended at the Lal Bahadur Shastri statue near Gateway of India. The timing of the protest coincided with the birth anniversaries of Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri, adding significance to their cause.
Prominent leaders of the NCP, including Supriya Sule, Jayant Patil, Jitendra Awhad, Rajesh Tope, Rohini Khadse, and Rakhi Jadhav, actively participated in the demonstration. The protest marked the beginning of a campaign called “Hakk Magtoy Maharashtra” (Maharashtra Demands Its Rights) initiated by state NCP president Jayant Patil. Citizens were encouraged to join the movement by either giving a missed call to 7030120012 or registering on the campaign’s website. The campaign aimed to address various state issues such as the economy, agriculture, social justice, youth affairs, women’s rights, crime, and education.
Jayant Patil criticized the current political scenario, highlighting the decline of Maharashtra’s legacy under the Modi government at the Centre and the Mahayuti government at the state level. He stressed the importance of upholding the progressive ideals inspired by historical figures like Shivaji, Phule, Shahu, and Ambedkar. Additionally, a ‘chargesheet’ was prepared against the misgovernance of the Mahayuti government as part of the campaign.
To amplify their message, a song titled “Hakk Magtoy Maharashtra” was released, resonating with the public’s dissatisfaction towards the current administration. The NCP’s protest aimed to bring attention to the issues plaguing Maharashtra and to rally support for their cause.
As Maharashtra stands at a crossroads, it is crucial for its citizens to actively participate in shaping the future of the state. The NCP’s protest serves as a reminder of the power of collective action in holding the government accountable and advocating for the rights and welfare of the people. By standing together and voicing their concerns, the citizens of Maharashtra can pave the way for a brighter and more equitable future for generations to come.