Eknath Shinde Should Address Resurgence of Maratha Reservation Agitation, Raj Thackeray States

Raj Thackeray has called on Eknath Shinde to clarify the renewed Maratha reservation agitation led by activist Manoj Jarange. Thackeray questions why the issue has resurfaced after previous resolutions.

Maharashtra's deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is at the centre of the renewed Maratha reservation debate. MNS chief Raj Thackeray has questioned why the issue has resurfaced, as Shinde had previously resolved it. Maratha activist Manoj Jarange's hunger strike at Azad Maidan in Mumbai for community reservation entered its second day on Saturday.

When asked about the ongoing agitation, Thackeray remarked, "Only Eknath Shinde can explain everything about the Maratha agitation and the reservation issue. If you want to know why Manoj Jarange has returned, ask Eknath Shinde. Last time, when he had gone to Navi Mumbai as chief minister, he had resolved the matter. Then why has it come up again? All these answers can only be given by Shinde."

Maratha Reservation Demand

In January of the previous year, Jarange's march to Mumbai halted at Vashi in Navi Mumbai. This was after a request from the then-government led by Shinde, who assured that quota demands would be addressed. BJP minister Chandrakant Patil defended Shinde, asserting that no false promises were made regarding Maratha reservation.

Patil further explained that all documented issues concerning the Maratha community have been addressed. He stated that solutions to Jarange's demands were implemented but acknowledged that some challenges have no remedies. "On the basis of what is documented, all issues concerning the Maratha community have been addressed," he said.

Protest Site Controversy

The BJP-led government proposed Navi Mumbai as an alternative protest site, but this suggestion was rejected. Patil emphasised that ordinary citizens should not suffer due to the agitation. Jarange's demand includes recognising Marathas as Kunbis, an OBC community, to avail reservation benefits.

Jarange's hunger strike highlights the ongoing demand for Marathas to be recognised as Kunbis. This recognition would allow them to benefit from reservations under the Other Backward Classes category. The situation remains tense as discussions continue over how best to address these demands.

The current situation underscores the complexities involved in addressing community-specific reservations in Maharashtra. As protests continue, stakeholders are urged to find a resolution that balances community needs with broader societal interests.

With inputs from PTI