Nagpur: The Reservation Hatao Movement (RHM), a social media-driven outfit that claims to have garnered over five million followers within three days of its launch, is set to hold its first on-ground protest in Nagpur on Thursday. The rally, from Zero Mile Square to Samvidhan Square, marks the group’s first attempt to translate its online popularity into a public movement, much like the trajectory followed by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).Abhijeet Mishra, a teacher and coaching institute owner who is leading the Nagpur initiative, told TOI, “We have received positive responses from all three authorities. Our rally will be completely peaceful,” he told TOI.Mishra said the movement is centred on reforming the reservation system. “If the reservation cannot be removed, then at least reforms should be introduced. We are raising issues concerning the general category, OBCs and all sections of society. We are not against any community; we are fighting for what we believe are equal rights,” he said.He claimed the organisers expect around 1,000 participants, though they believe attendance could cross 2,000. The rally will begin at Zero Mile and conclude at Samvidhan Square.Explaining how the movement took shape in Nagpur, Mishra said it started as his individual initiative before others joined the campaign. “We came across information about the movement online and decided to organise a peaceful rally here. Future decisions will be taken after this protest,” he said.Responding to comparisons with CJP, Mishra said the movement is focused solely on its own demands. “We have no issue with anyone else’s reservation. We demand that reforms ensure benefits reach those who genuinely need them, particularly the economically weaker sections. We will continue our movement until there is a concrete response from the government,” he said.Addressing concerns over law and order following recent nationwide protests, Mishra said volunteers have been appointed to ensure the rally remains peaceful. “We are not affiliated with any political party. Anyone can participate, but only as an individual and in support of our cause,” he added.Meanwhile, CJP member Mahiya Gourkhede said the party was unlikely to oppose the rally but was equally unlikely to officially support it. “If you want to end reservation, then end casteism first,” she said. On whether individual CJP members may join the protest, she said, “That is a personal choice. I cannot speak on behalf of others.”
