Maharashtra Govts Ordinance Offer to Maratha Activist Manoj Jarange

The Maharashtra government presented a draft ordinance addressing the demands of Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange, who halted his march towards Mumbai. CM Eknath Shinde held discussions and sent a delegation with the draft ordinance to meet Jarange.

Mumbai, January 26: The Maharashtra government has taken swift action in response to the demands of Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange, who halted his march towards Mumbai and camped in neighboring Navi Mumbai with thousands of supporters. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde held crucial meetings with officials to address Jarange's concerns and sent a delegation with a draft ordinance to meet the activist late on Friday night.

Draft Ordinance Presented to Jarange

The delegation, comprising senior officials such as social justice department secretary Sumant Bhange, Aurangabad divisional commissioner Madhukar Arangal, and chief minister's personal secretary Amol Shinde, presented the draft ordinance to Jarange. The activist had earlier made fresh demands, including amendments to the government's free education policy to include all Marathas until the benefits of reservation become available to the entire community.

Jarange's Demands and Warnings

Jarange warned that he and his supporters would enter Mumbai on Saturday for their planned protest at Azad Maidan ground if their demands were not met by nightfall. Many of his supporters had already arrived in Mumbai and gathered near Azad Maidan. Addressing a rally in Navi Mumbai, Jarange announced that he would remain in the city for the day and would make a decision on proceeding to Azad Maidan the following afternoon.

Free Education Policy Amendment

One of Jarange's key demands is the amendment of the free education policy to provide free education to all Marathas, including boys, from kindergarten to post-graduation until the entire community receives reservation. He also sought data on the 37 lakh Kunbi certificates issued by the state government, as Kunbis, an agrarian community, fall under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category. Jarange believes that more than two crore Marathas will be eligible for OBC certificates once Kunbi records are found, and he urged all Marathas to apply for the certificate to avail of reservation benefits.

Reservation in Government Jobs

Jarange further demanded that the present government job recruitment process should reserve some seats for Marathas. He also called for the withdrawal of cases registered against Maratha activists during the quota protests.

Government's Efforts to Persuade Jarange

The Maharashtra government has been actively trying to persuade Jarange not to proceed to Mumbai, sending delegations to hold talks with him. State education minister Deepak Kesarkar assured reporters that Jarange's demands had been accepted and would be fulfilled as per government procedures.

Police Presence and Negotiations

A team of senior Mumbai police officials, including Additional Commissioner of Police Special Branch Virendra Mishra, Additional Commissioner of Police East Vinayak Deshmukh, and Deputy Commissioner of Police Purushottam Karad, met with Jarange in Navi Mumbai to discuss his protest at Azad Maidan. Jarange expressed cooperation with the police and demanded the immediate release of those taken into custody.

A significant number of police personnel have been deployed near the Agriculture Produce Market Committee (APMC) in Vashi, with units of local police, State Reserve Police Force (SRPF), and Rapid Action Force (RAF) stationed at strategic locations to maintain law and order.

Jarange's Rise to Prominence

Jarange gained public attention in September 2023 when police forcibly dispersed a gathering during his indefinite fast at Antarwali Sarati. He subsequently launched another round of fasting, prompting the government to initiate talks with him.

Background of Maratha Reservation

The Maharashtra government had previously enacted a law to provide reservation in government jobs and admissions to educational institutes for the Maratha community. However, the Supreme Court struck down the law in 2021.

The Maharashtra government's prompt response to Manoj Jarange's demands demonstrates its commitment to addressing the concerns of the Maratha community. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the draft ordinance and ongoing negotiations will lead to a resolution and prevent the planned protest in Mumbai.