Nashik Residents to Stage Jan Akrosh Morcha on February 4 Against Minister Girish Mahajan
In a significant development, many residents of Nashik have decided to organize a Jan Akrosh Morcha on February 4 in the city. The protest is directed against Water Resources Department Minister Girish Mahajan, who allegedly failed to mention Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar during his speech on Republic Day.
Citizens Demand Minister's Removal Over Alleged Omission
According to Talha Shaikh, the city secretary of the Communist Party of India (CPI), citizens are mobilizing to protest against Mahajan. The primary aim is to persuade the government to strip him of his ministership for not acknowledging Dr. Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Constitution of India, during a government-organized Republic Day celebration in Nashik.
Shaikh emphasized that this omission is perceived as a serious slight, drawing parallels to previous government actions, such as the removal of Mahatma Gandhi's name from the MGNREGA scheme and its subsequent renaming. He stated, "This act is seen as part of a pattern that undermines the contributions of key national figures."
Organizational Efforts and Public Appeal
Several meetings have been held across Nashik to plan the morcha, resulting in a decision to take out a procession from Nashik Road to Nashik city on February 4. Preparations are already underway, with organizers actively seeking participation from the broader community.
On Thursday, a formal letter was submitted to authorities seeking permission for the morcha. Shaikh added, "Nashik residents have formed a group called 'Amhi Bharatache Lok-Nashikkar', and we appeal to all citizens to join this morcha to voice our collective discontent."
Route and Tributes Planned for the Morcha
The morcha will commence from Nashik Road, where participants will pay tributes to the statues of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It will then proceed through the city, covering a distance of approximately 8 kilometers, and culminate at the statue of Dr. Ambedkar located at CBS.
This planned protest highlights the growing public sentiment in Nashik regarding the recognition of historical figures and the accountability of elected officials. The morcha is expected to draw significant attention as residents rally to uphold the legacy of Dr. Ambedkar and express their grievances against Minister Mahajan's alleged oversight.
