India, March 24 -- The 42nd death anniversary function of mathadi leader Annasaheb Patil, who first raised the Maratha reservation issue, was held on Saturday without a single politician being invited, unlike in the past when top leaders would be in attendance. Mathadi leaders alleged that they had only received hollow promises from them at the earlier meets.

The meet, held at Mathadi Bhavan in Turbhe, was organised by the Maharashtra Rajya Mathadi, Transport and General Kamgar Union, the largest of the mathadi unions founded by Annasaheb Patil. The mathadis (head loaders) primarily work in the state APMCs and form a substantial vote bank for political parties.

Speaking at the meet, former MLC Narendra Patil, who is the general secretar...