Ajit Pawar Faction Minister Suspects Political Rivalry Behind Car Vandalisation By Maratha Reservation Protestors

In the latest episode of an attack on politicians during protests concerning the Maratha reservation issue, the car belonging to Hasan Mushrif, a Maharashtra minister affiliated with the NCP faction led by Ajit Pawar, was vandalised in Mumbai on Wednesday (1 November).

A group of individuals, chanting pro-Maratha slogans of "Ek Maratha, Lakh Maratha," threw stones and shattered the car's windows. Fortunately, Mushrif was not inside the SUV at the time of the incident, as it was parked outside Akashwani Bhawan.

After the incident, Mushrif spoke to the media, reassuring his followers, "Fortunately, I was not inside the car. So, I want to convey to my followers not to worry. I am fine."

He continued, "I understand the sentiments of Maratha reservation activists. Even if they targeted me, I will continue to support the Maratha reservation, and I stand with the Maratha community."

Mushrif emphasised that the Maharashtra government is actively working to implement the Maratha reservation, and a significant cabinet decision was made the previous Tuesday.

"While acts of violence like this are a cause for concern, in some cases, attacks on politicians may also be a result of local political rivalries. Maratha activists are advocating for reservation rights, and it's possible that outsiders are exploiting the protests to settle political scores at the local level," he suggested.

According to Indian Express, Mushrif also urged the police not to take action against those responsible for the car attack, saying, "Let them go."

Earlier, on Monday, protesters had set the houses and offices of two NCP MLAs on fire in the Beed district, one belonging to the Ajit Pawar faction and the other to the Sharad Pawar group. Violence was also reported in the Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar district.

Following the violent turn of the Maratha community's protests for reservation, security measures were heightened for ministers and their properties throughout the state.