'Maratha Reservation Issue Not Addressed': Activist Manoj Jarange Accuses Fadnavis, Bhujbal Of Pressurising Govt Against It

Activist Manoj Jarange alleges that Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and state minister Chhagan Bhujbal are obstructing the Maratha reservation.

File Photo of activist Manoj Jarange

Source : PTI

In a fresh development surrounding the Maratha reservation issue, activist Manoj Jarange has alleged that Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and state minister Chhagan Bhujbal are exerting pressure on the government to keep the matter unresolved. Jarange's claims come ahead of his announced indefinite fast, set to begin on 20th July if the government fails to grant the reservation by the midnight of 13th July.

Speaking to reporters at Antarwali Sarati village in Jalna district, Jarange stated, "The government has not addressed the issue though the 13th July deadline has passed. I believe Fadnavis and Bhujbal might have pressured the government not to solve the problem of Maratha reservation", news agency PTI reported.

Jarange has been at the forefront of protests demanding OBC certificates to recognise all Kunbis (agriculturists) and their "sage soyre" (blood relatives) as Marathas. In February, the Maharashtra legislature passed a bill providing a 10 per cent reservation for the community in education and government jobs amid ongoing protests.

The activist also expressed his disappointment with state Minister Shambhuraj Desai, a member of the Maratha sub-quota committee, claiming that Desai has not contacted him. "We trusted Desai, but he has not contacted us yet. He might have been pressured to not engage with activists," Jarange said, as quoted by PTI.

A decision is expected on July 20 regarding a meeting of Maratha leaders. Jarange mentioned that the community would decide whether to field 288 candidates in the upcoming state assembly elections or hold a protest march in Mumbai. "We have to go to Mumbai to get our right. It is our democratic right to hold peaceful protest," he asserted.

The activist accused Bhujbal of inciting the Other Backward Classes (OBC) against the Maratha reservation but expressed confidence that the community would eventually understand the minister's tactics. "Bhujbal had pitted the Dhangar community against Marathas," Jarange claimed, suggesting that the community demand quota under the Scheduled Tribe category.

Maharashtra CM Shinde Defends His Govt On Maratha Quota Row

Responding to the ongoing row, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde emphasised that recruitments under the 10 per cent reservation were given to the Maratha community while a government panel is working on the Kunbi certificate matter.

"As we said, 10% reservation was given to the Maratha community without depriving OBC or any other community. Now this matter is in court, many people are trying but the court has not given them a stay. Recruitments are also happening as per the given reservation...Justice Shinde committee is working on the Kunbi certificate in Marathwada. The government is also working on many issues that came up in yesterday's meeting," he said, as per news agency ANI.