THE ongoing Maratha agitation at the CIDCO Exhibition Centre in Vashi witnessed an emotional moment on Tuesday when a couple from Panvel — Balram Patil and Alka Patil —arrived with home-cooked food to support the protesters.

The husband-wife duo said it considers the Maratha community brothers and was moved by their agitation. “We salute them because they are fighting for their rights and for reservations. Our son could not secure admission in IIT-Bombay because he fell short by just two marks. If we had the benefit of reservations, he would have been studying there today. That is why we wholeheartedly support Manoj Jarange and will continue to stand by him,” the Patils said while distributing meals.

By evening, celebrations broke out at the APMC market, Vashi Bridge, and across the exhibition centre as news spread of the state government accepting Maratha leader Manoj Jarange’s demands. Groups of protesters danced, raised slogans, and embraced each other in celebration.