NCP's Rohit Pawar Demands Firm Decision on Maratha Reservation

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLA Rohit Pawar criticised the ruling coalition leaders for their indecisiveness on the Maratha reservation issue. He asserted that a constitutional amendment is necessary to secure quotas for the community in jobs and education. Speaking at Rashtrawadi Bhavan in Latur, he avoided questions about Maratha groups' demands for reservation under the OBC category.

Rohit Pawar highlighted that the Maratha reservation issue had been resolved previously but was struck down when a supporter of Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis challenged it in court. He criticised the Mahayuti government, stating that ruling alliance leaders are not making firm decisions on the Maratha quota issue. He emphasised that a constitutional amendment is the only way to secure Maratha reservation in courts.

Maratha Reservation and Political Dynamics

Details of discussions between Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and NCP SP president Sharad Pawar have not been disclosed. Rohit Pawar also addressed Sharad Pawar's statement warning of potential social unrest in Maharashtra similar to Manipur. "In Manipur, common people were subjected to injustice and atrocities, and the government there ignored these injustices," he said. He warned that some individuals might be plotting to incite riots in Maharashtra before the upcoming assembly elections.

When asked about Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) chief Prakash Ambedkar's criticism of Sharad Pawar regarding the Maratha reservation issue, Rohit Pawar responded, "Prakash Ambedkar is a senior leader. He should have joined the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) during the Lok Sabha elections to defeat the BJP. Instead, votes polled by his candidates benefited the BJP. However, I now invite Prakash Ambedkar to join us in MVA."

Implementation of Social Schemes

Rohit Pawar also criticised the state government for failing to implement the Ladki Bahin scheme effectively. This scheme is designed to support underprivileged women, but according to him, necessary machinery has not been put in place.

He sidestepped questions about Maratha groups' demand for reservation under the OBC category but reiterated that a constitutional amendment is essential for securing quotas for community members in jobs and education.

The opposition legislator maintained that ruling alliance leaders are not taking any firm decision on the Maratha quota issue. He contended that securing Maratha reservation in courts can only be achieved through a constitutional amendment.

Rohit Pawar alleged that tensions between two communities had sparked riots in Beed and Kolhapur. He suggested that some people might be plotting to incite riots in Maharashtra before the ensuing assembly elections.

The NCP SP legislator stated that people in Manipur faced injustice and atrocities, and the government there ignored these injustices. This led local populace to feel those in power were backing these injustices.

Rohit Pawar's comments reflect ongoing political tensions and challenges related to social justice issues in Maharashtra. His remarks underscore the complexities involved in addressing community-specific reservations and implementing social schemes effectively.