'We want justice'

Sandeep Gidde

"It's a movement of atmaklesh (penance) by Marathas. We are in no way associated with any political leader or any political party. Marathas are coming out in large numbers to express themselves. They want justice from the system," said Sandeep Gidde, one of the coordinators who has been travelling across the state to shore up the community's strength.

Gidde, the owner of an event management company at Karad in western Maharashtra, said that a lot of effort has gone into the movement. "52 organisations are working together to connect people and collect resources. It's a mission with a vision and it is entirely voluntary. The poorest of poor in the community is helping to raise our collective voice in the hope that the government will dispense justice," he told mid-day.

The community argues that though they are 32% of the state's population only 1-2% is economically stronger and politically influential. It says that a significant section of the community is into farming which is faced with crisis.