Amidst a massive gathering of Marathas, the state government has been given a 10-day ultimatum to secure educational and job reservations for the community. The previous 30-day deadline ended without a substantial response from the tripartite government.
Manoj Jarange, a prominent Maratha leader from Antarwali Sarati in Jalna district, urged the assembled community members from across the state to maintain patience for the next 10 days and not be swayed by leaders from other caste groups opposing the inclusion of Marathas in the existing OBC quota.
He warned against potential attempts to divide their unity, revealing that “two leaders, including Chhagan Bhujbal, and one other, have been instructed by the Deputy Chief Ministers and Chief Minister to incite Marathas with their statements.” Jarange implored the crowd not to respond with violence and to remain peaceful during their protests, highlighting that they had demonstrated their ability to mobilize in large numbers peacefully.
Jarange also called for the scrapping of the state committee responsible for investigating the possibility of granting Marathas a Kunbi certificate, stating, “Stop the charade of the committee and gathering of evidence. Grant Marathas a quota within the existing 50 percent limit. It should withstand legal scrutiny, just like those created for others.” He pledged to announce the next steps on October 24, concluding with a steadfast commitment: “I will not rest until we secure the quota we deserve.”
In related developments, the Supreme Court has accepted the state government’s curative petition aimed at reinstating the Maratha quota, which was invalidated by the apex court a couple of years ago. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had visited Jarange last month, offering assurances and requesting 30 days to find a resolution.
