Pune, July 30: Maratha outfits on Sunday took a rally in Pune demanding reservation for the community in government jobs and educational institutes. The protest march triggered a controversy as women participants were reportedly asked to walk behind men in the rally. Interestingly, in 2016 when Marathas launched their protest, a group of women was leading them from the front.

Maratha protesters involved in an argument over whether women should lead the rally or walk behind. The rally had to be halted barely five minutes after it had begun due to the debate. Eventually, women participants were asked to step behind male protesters, reported Mumbai Mirror. The organisers, however, blamed the chaos behind the change in guard.

“There was plenty of chaos, and it became difficult to control the crowds; hence the women had to be asked to walk behind the men. Even we wanted the women to lead the march," Rajendra Kondhare, one of the organisers of the Pune rally, was quoted as saying. Some women participants, cited in the report, downplayed the incident, saying the focus should be on Marathas' demands.

“The nature of the protest has changed hence the women were walking in the middle of the crowds. It doesn’t matter where we walk. Putting forth the community’s demands is more important," Prachi Dudhane said. Another participant said the women were leading their respective groups. One of the organisers claimed men formed a chain around women to provide them security amid chaos.

The Marathas are seeking reservation in government jobs and education, with the agitation remaining peaceful in over two years, including holding of silent processions in over a dozen districts.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 30, 2018 11:37 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).