With agitation over the Maratha reservation issue in Maharashtra intensifying, the Eknath Shinde government convened an all-party meeting at the Sahyadri guest house on Wednesday in a bid to find a solution. The meeting lasted for two hours, with all participating parties expressing support for providing reservation to the Maratha community.
As a result, the government has urged Manoj Jarange Patil, who was on a hunger strike in Jalanya’s Interwali Sarati, to end his fast. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said that the government is taking action on two fronts: a committee of retired judges has been formed, and the Backward Class Commission is working diligently to ensure justice for the Maratha community, though it may take some time due to legal procedures.
In response to these developments, security has been heightened at the residence of Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Nagpur. MP Supriya Sule has called for Fadnavis’ resignation, accusing him of neglecting the state’s law and order while campaigning in other states. Fadnavis has countered by emphasising the importance of upholding the law. Furthermore, police security has been increased at the residences of Chhagan Bhujbal in Mumbai and Nashik due to the violent turn of the Maratha agitation.
Hasan Mushrif has instructed not to take action against activists who vandalised his car.
Simultaneously, during the all-party meeting at the Sahyadri Government guest house in Malabar Hill, all-party MLAs staged a protest outside Mantralaya, demanding a special Assembly session on the reservation issue.
It is worth noting that the Shiv Sena-backed United Bahujan Samaj Party (UBT) was not invited to the all-party meeting, leading to criticism from Sanjay Raut. Meanwhile, from the agitation site, Manoj Jarange Patil expressed his concern, stating that they would stop drinking water if they don’t receive reservation by evening and suspecting a possible betrayal by the Deputy Chief Minister.
In Pune district, 12,294 Kunbi certificates have been distributed, and the issuance of certificates for the remaining 460 applicants will commence after they submit their genealogy evidence. On the other hand, the Maratha community has called for a Bandh (a form of protest involving a general strike) in Parbhani district, with support from trade organisations, affecting agriculture transport as well.
Director General of Police Rajnish Sheth has warned of strict action against those damaging public property. So far, the police have arrested 168 individuals, and 54 cases have been registered in Sambhajinagar district. In some areas, where the law has been violated, strict action has been ordered.
Approximately 12 public properties worth 12 crore have been damaged throughout the state. DGP Rajnish Sheth addressed the media in Mumbai, acknowledging peaceful protests and some instances of violence during the Maratha reservation agitations, with cases registered and arrests made in response to violations of the law and incidents of arson.
