Maratha Morcha: Maratha quota victory sparks in Manoj Jarange Patil’s village

Residents of Antarwali Sarati village in Jalna district express joy at the Maratha protesters’ victory. PIC/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

After the Maharashtra government agreed to most demands of Maratha reservation activists, celebrations broke out across Mumbai, where agitators welcomed the decision with great enthusiasm.

Similarly, Antarwali Sarati village in Jalna district, the hometown of Manoj Jarange Patil, the movement's leader, erupted in joy upon hearing the news. People gathered in large numbers, bursting crackers, throwing gulal (coloured powder), and dancing to mark the historic moment.

According to local police sources, villagers in Antarwali celebrated in traditional style despite many residents being away in Mumbai to participate in the ongoing agitation. "Had more people been present, the atmosphere and scale of festivities would have been much larger," an officer said.

When contacted, Gondi police station officer Ashish Khandekar - under whose jurisdiction Antarwali falls - said he was on patrol and the village is around 35 km away. "I am not aware of the celebrations at this moment, but if I receive details, I will update you accordingly," he said.

However, a senior officer of Jalna district police, while requesting anonymity, confirmed the reports. "Yes, people in Antarwali celebrated by bursting crackers and throwing gulal," he told reporters.