Maharashtra Assembly Clears Maratha Reservation Bill; Activist Manoj Jarange Calls It Betrayal, Here's Why

The Maharashtra State Socially and Educationally Backward Bill 2024, commonly known as the Maratha Reservation Bill was passed unanimously by the Maharashtra Assembly on Tuesday. The Maratha Reservation Bill advocates a 10 % reservation for the community in educational admissions and government jobs.

The bill was tabled by Minister Chhagan Bhujbal, who is known for raising the voices of backward. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde called a special Assembly session and within a few minutes after being tabled, the bill was passed unanimously.

The bill will now be tabled in the Legislative Council for assent, after which it will turn into a state law and a 10% reservation will be given to Marathi in the government sector for education and jobs.

Notably, the state assembly allowed a separate 10 % reservation for Marathas, which will not be considered under the OBC quota.

Earlier on February 17, CM Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had assured activist Manoj Jarange-Patil, who was on a hunger strike, that Marathas will get their right and Maratha reservation will be passed on February 20 after completing the formalities.

But now, when the bill has been passed, Manoj Jarange called it a "betrayal to the Maratha community". Patil highlighted that this bill has not been passed under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category.

"This decision of the government has been taken by keeping the elections and votes in mind. This is a betrayal to the Maratha community," news agency ANI quoted Jarange.

He added that the Maratha community won't trust CM Eknath Shinde anymore. "We will benefit only from our original demands... This reservation won't hold. The government will now lie that the reservation has been given," the activist said.