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Today marks a significant milestone for the Maratha community in Maharashtra as the Maratha Reservation Bill received unanimous approval in the Legislative Assembly. This landmark legislation grants the Maratha community 10 percent reservation in education and employment within the state.
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde expressed confidence that the reservation provided by the state government for the Maratha community will withstand legal scrutiny in the Supreme Court. However, the bill’s passage has drawn mixed reactions, with Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) President Raj Thackeray cautioning the Maratha community to remain vigilant.
Thackeray raised pertinent questions regarding the legality and jurisdiction of the state government in implementing such reservation policies. He pointed to a similar case in Tamil Nadu where state-provided reservation is still pending in the Supreme Court, highlighting the complexities surrounding reservation laws and their constitutional validity.
“Given 10 percent reservation, what did you give? Who gave you that right? Do you have rights to this?” Thackeray questioned, emphasizing the need for clarity on the government’s authority in this matter.
Thackeray further underscored the broader societal implications of caste-based reservation policies, questioning whether such measures are equitable and sustainable in the long run. He urged the state government to prioritize pressing issues such as drought and water scarcity over electoral politics and caste-based reservations.
“With so many pressing issues facing the state, including drought and water scarcity, it is imperative that attention is diverted towards addressing these fundamental challenges,” Thackeray remarked, expressing concern over the government’s focus on electoral considerations rather than addressing the needs of the people.
As the debate surrounding reservation policies continues to unfold, Thackeray’s remarks highlight the need for a nuanced approach towards addressing caste-based inequities while ensuring that broader developmental challenges are not overlooked in the process.
Also Read: Maharashtra Assembly Passes Maratha Quota Bill Amid Calls for Muslim Reservation
