To discuss the Muslim problems and their grievances, a meeting of the NCP’s Other Backward Class (OBC) cell was convened by its president Bhanudas Mali at the party’s state headquarters on Friday. State home minister R.R. Patil who was present at the meeting promised to tackle grievances faced by Muslims in general and those belonging to OBC in particular.

The NCP OBC cell’s president Mali said “It’s unfortunate and but true that the NCP does not have a single Muslim member of Parliament from the state and the NCP president Shard Pawar has asked us to pay special attention to the Muslims community. Our cell is making efforts to help Muslims, especially those belonging to OBC, in getting reservations benefits,” he added.

Mali further said, “ Though the NCP OBC Cell wanted to reach out to all 365 communities in the state, special attention would be paid to the grievances of the Muslims. “ I had undertaken a tour of the state for interacting with party members and OBCs. We want to create the right impression among Muslims so that they get attracted to our party,” Mali said point out that the right candidates from the Muslim community would be recommended for nomination in the civic polls.

Incidentally, the NCP OBC cell functions independently of Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Chhagan Bhujbal’s social outfit Akhil Bharatiya Mahatma Phule Samata Parishad, which has a following among the OBCs. Some close aides of Bhujbal have a feeling that the NCP OBC Cell has been floated by the Maratha leaders in the party to counter Bhujbal’s growth and view it with suspicion.

Meanwhile in another development, the Maharashtra police have beefed up security to the maximum level in the wake of a Hindu festival on Sunday.

Police in the state have rounded up thousands of anti-social elements as a precautionary measure that no untoward incident takes place during the festival. In Mumbai the police have deployed nearly 2000 policemen along the Mahim beach more popularly referred to as Chowpatti. Extra armed policemen from the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) and the Rapid Action Force (RAF) have also been deployed during the procession as part of the festival which takes more than 30 hours. Extra precautionary measures have been taken in wake of the recent Delhi bomb blast with police keeping a sharp vigil at airport, railway and bus terminals, hotels and lodges.