Maharashtra's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief, Chandrashekhar Bawankule, has assured that the forthcoming decision by the state government concerning Maratha reservation will find consensus with activist Manoj Jarange while ensuring that it does not adversely affect other sections of society, news agency PTI reported.
Bawankule expressed his belief that the Maratha community's loss of reservation rights was a consequence of the "incompetency" of former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.
Manoj Jarange, who conducted a hunger strike in demand of Maratha community reservation in jobs and education under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category, has given the state government until October 24 to take appropriate measures.
Bawankule, addressing reporters, stated, "The state government will make a decision on Maratha reservation that is amenable to activist Manoj Jarange and simultaneously takes into consideration other sections," as reported by PTI.
He confirmed that decisions reached during discussions between Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Maratha quota issue representatives will be executed accordingly.
Responding to a question, Bawankule also mentioned that leaders of 'Mahayuti,' a coalition consisting of the ruling BJP, Shiv Sena, and the NCP (Ajit Pawar group) along with 11 other constituents, will determine seat allocations for the 2024 Lok Sabha and Maharashtra assembly elections. These decisions will be reviewed by the central parliamentary board of the BJP.
"We will work towards the victory of candidates, regardless of the seats they contest under Mahayuti," he added, according to PTI.
Bawankule emphasised that Mahayuti aims to secure 51% of the vote share in elections and secure the victory of 225 MLAs and 45 MPs in Maharashtra.
Bawankule explained that the BJP is developing a "Mahavijay 2024" strategy in anticipation of potential friendly competition within Mahayuti during local body elections. In this strategy, 600 "super warriors" from the party will visit 3,50,000 households to discuss the work of the Modi government at the Centre over the last nine years, as well as the Shiv Sena-BJP state government's initiatives, the report said.
Bawankule expressed confidence in all parties working together to secure victory under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, emphasising their commitment to defeating candidates from the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance.
During his interactions with the public, Bawankule noted strong support for Prime Minister Modi's potential third term, indicating a desire for his continued leadership.