Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday appealed to Maratha reservation protesters to remain patient as the state government works on their demands, while assuring that efforts are being made to provide reservation to the community without affecting the rights of OBCs or other groups.
Shinde made the remarks as Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil began his journey towards Mumbai from Jalna amid plans to intensify the agitation.
Addressing the issue, Shinde said the government’s stand on Maratha reservation was clear and maintained that any solution would have to protect the interests of other communities as well.
Shinde Recalls 10% Maratha Reservation
Shinde said the process of granting reservation to the Maratha community had started during Devendra Fadnavis’ tenure as Chief Minister but was later discontinued after a change in government.
He said that after becoming Chief Minister, his government introduced a 10% quota for Marathas under the Socially and Educationally Backward Classes category.
According to Shinde, the reservation continues to benefit members of the community.
He also pointed to other measures taken by the government, including the issuance of Kunbi certificates to people whose historical records establish their Kunbi status.
Government Lists Steps Taken For Maratha Community
Shinde said the Justice Shinde Committee had worked on the process of issuing Kunbi certificates and claimed that lakhs of people had already received them.
He further said work had begun under schemes such as SARTHI and through scholarships for members of the community.
The government has also taken steps to fill 5,300 vacant positions under the reservation framework, Shinde said.
He maintained that the government was pursuing the Maratha community’s demands while ensuring that the interests of OBCs and other communities were not compromised.
Shinde Appeals For Peace During Ganeshotsav
With Ganeshotsav celebrations underway across Mumbai, Shinde urged protesters travelling to the city to ensure that their agitation does not affect the festival.
He pointed out that large numbers of devotees are visiting Ganesh pandals across Mumbai and appealed to protesters to avoid creating any law-and-order situation.
“I urge the protesters to be positive on the matter as the government is working on your requirements and has taken the matter positively. Similarly, I request you to have patience and not disrupt Ganeshotsav in the city,” Shinde said.
Manoj Jarange Patil Heads To Mumbai
Meanwhile, Manoj Jarange Patil left Antarwali Sarati in Jalna district for Mumbai as his indefinite hunger strike entered its 18th day.
Jarange is seeking further action on the Maratha reservation demand and is expected to continue his agitation in Mumbai. However, there remains uncertainty over permission for his proposed hunger strike at Azad Maidan.
Before leaving Jalna, Jarange accused political leaders of misleading the Maratha community and urged his supporters to remain united and peaceful.
He also said he would continue the agitation and would not back down from the demand, describing the issue as important for the future of Maratha children.
