'May Lead To Discontent': Union Minister On Maratha Quota Decision, Fadnavis Reacts

Union Minister Narayan Rane has said that Maharashtra government's decision on the Maratha quota will lead to discontent among other communities in the state.

Union Minister Narayan Rane has said that Maharashtra government's decision on the Maratha quota will lead to discontent among other communities in the state.

Source : PTI

Maratha Quota Row: Union Minister Narayan Rane on Sunday expressed disagreement with the Maharashtra government's decision, led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, on reservations, asserting that it could lead to discontent among other backward communities in the state. The Union Minister of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) said that he will hold a press conference on this issue later today.

This comes after Maharashtra government issued a draft notification following negotiations with activist Manoj Jarange Patil, stating that blood relatives of a Maratha person, who has records to show that he belongs to the agrarian Kunbi community, would also be recognised as Kunbi.

On Sunday Rane took to social media platform X and said, "I do not agree with the decision taken by the state government and the hope given regarding the reservation of the Maratha community. This may lead to discontent in the state as the Maratha community with historical traditions will be disappointed and this will lead to encroachment on other backward communities. Tomorrow is Monday. On January 29, I will hold a press conference and talk about it."

"On Monday, January 29, at 4 PM, I will be addressing a press conference at the Credit Hall (Ground Floor), Yashwantrao Chavan Centre, Nariman Point, Mumbai," he said.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has stated that after the ordinance passed on Sunday, the rights of the Maratha community have become easily accessible to them. The former Maharashtra CM further mentioned that it was legal for the registered Maratha community to obtain the certificate.

"With yesterday's ordinance, the rights of the Maratha community have become easily available to them. It was legal for the registered Maratha community to obtain the certificate. While doing so, 100% security is also provided to the OBC community. The personal role of some leaders may be different on this. What has actually been done will be brought to their attention. The government has taken a decision that is benefiting the Maratha community, but there will be no injustice to any community. There is nothing for anyone to worry about in this. Our government will not allow any injustice to the OBC community. Recently, the reservation given to the Maratha community was upheld in the High Court. However, due to some reasons, the Supreme Court rejected that reservation. We have also launched a survey to determine these reasons," Fadnavis said.

Last week on Saturday, Manoj Jarange Patil who had gone on a fast broke the fast by accepting a glass of juice from Maharashtra CM Shinde, who promised to accept all the demands. Shinde and Patil together offered garlands to the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Navi Mumbai.

The Maharashtra CM had held meetings with officials over the activist's demands and sent a delegation with a draft ordinance on Friday night after which Patil said he was calling off his protest. Shinde congratulated the Maratha community for the "peaceful protest," and said that Patil and his supporters showcased a lot of patience.

“Everyone was looking forward to this protest and you all have shown a lot of patience and made this protest successful," Shinde said. "I congratulate you all for the same," the Chief Minister said on Saturday, as quoted by ANI. Shinde also asserted his commitment to the Maratha reservation. "I am the son of a farmer and I know how it feels. I had taken a pledge to give reservations to Marathas and I kept my word. This is an historic moment."