Maratha Quota Activist Manoj Jarange Appeals to Maharashtra Govt to Pass Maratha Reservation Bill

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange has appealed to the Maharashtra government to pass the Maratha reservation bill in the upcoming winter session of the state legislature. He has also exhorted the community members to prepare for a relay fast on December 1.

Thane/Palghar: Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange appealed to the Maharashtra government on Tuesday to pass the Maratha reservation bill in the upcoming winter session of the state legislature. He also exhorted the community members to prepare for a relay fast on December 1.

Jarange had earlier demanded a special session

Interestingly, Jarange had earlier demanded convening a special session for clearing the quota for Marathas in government jobs and education. The activist has been demanding that Marathas be recognized as Kunbis, which will pave the way for the reservation under the OBC category.

Jarange addressed rallies in Thane and Palghar

Jarange addressed rallies of Marathas in Thane, the home turf of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and in Palghar in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Jarange had given a December 24 deadline to the government to act on his demands. Addressing a rally in Thane, he said if the Maratha quota demand is not fulfilled by that time, the government will not be able to handle the agitation after the deadline.

Maharashtra govt can pass a bill in the upcoming session

The Maharashtra government can pass a bill in the upcoming session of the state legislature scheduled to be held from December 7. Instead of calling a special session, give reservation to Marathas in the coming session itself based on the latest Kunbi record findings, Jarange said. He said for the people whose records are not available, the formula of the 2001 Reservation Act be applied to grant quota. CM Shinde can decide on this, he said. If the reservation is not given by December 24, then we will decide our future course of action. From December 25, the agitation will become such that the government will not be able to handle it, Jarange added.

State govt did not want to give reservation to Marathas

Speaking at the Ram Ganesh Gadkari Rangayatan auditorium in Thane, he also alleged that the state government did not want to give reservation to Marathas and was trying to divide society on caste lines. This is a critical phase and we have to remain alert. Maintain peace as there will be attempts to provoke you and divert your attention, but you should not fall prey to any such tactics, he told the people from the Maratha community.

Jarange slams Bhujbal

Without naming Maharashtra minister and Other Backward Classes OBC leader Chhagan Bhujbal, Jarange slammed him saying he will have to face the consequences later on. Bhujbal, an NCP leader from the Ajit Pawar faction, has been opposing the demands of Jarange to provide the reservation to Marathas under the OBC grouping.

Jarange asked members of the Maratha community to prepare for a statewide relay fast

Addressing a rally at Palghar, Jarange asked members of the Maratha community to prepare themselves for a statewide relay fast to be observed on December 1. He said the countdown to get the reservation has started and appealed to the Maratha community to guard themselves against attempts of provocation by some people. Accusing Bhujbal of trying to bring discord in society, Jarange said OBCs are brothers of Marathas. Since Kunbi caste records are found, all the conditions for granting reservation are fulfilled. It can pass the legal test, he said.

Manoj Jarange's appeal to the Maharashtra government to pass the Maratha reservation bill in the upcoming winter session of the state legislature has garnered significant attention. His call for a relay fast on December 1 and his exhortation to the Maratha community to prepare for it indicate a rising demand for reservation among the community. The government's response to these demands and the subsequent developments will be closely watched by the people of Maharashtra.