A video featuring Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde making seemingly casual remarks regarding the Maratha quota agitation, alongside deputy chief ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, has rapidly gained traction on social media. The video, captured prior to a press conference following an all-party meeting convened to discuss the Maratha community’s demand for reservation, captures Shinde inquiring of his colleagues, “We just need to speak and leave, right?”
While Ajit Pawar swiftly assents with a simple “Yes, right,” Fadnavis leans in and discreetly points out that the microphone is still on, a fact that Pawar also underscores.
These seemingly nonchalant comments have ignited a wave of criticism, with some opposition figures interpreting them as indicative of a lack of seriousness or commitment to resolving the Maratha reservation issue.
Omraje Nimbalkar, a Lok Sabha member from Osmanabad representing the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), expressed his concern over the apparent indifference exhibited by the three leaders towards the Maratha reservation matter. He emphasized that as citizens engage in peaceful protests and hunger strikes advocating for this cause, the government’s response appears to be inadequate.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi voiced her strong disapproval on the microblogging site X, stating, “If shamelessness had a face. This illegitimate government would be it.”
Leader of the opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, Vijay Wadettiwar, did not mince words when criticizing the Shinde-led government for its perceived failure to address and resolve critical issues. He remarked, “The government seems to be content with merely addressing issues in words, not in actions. This is an inefficient government that appears to evade dealing with pressing concerns.”
NCP working president Supriya Sule weighed in, remarking, “Finally, their true sentiments have slipped through. This reveals the government’s insensitivity to the concerns of the people.”
Aaditya Thackeray, a prominent leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), was unreserved in his criticism of the CM, accusing him of insensitivity regarding the Maratha quota issue. He questioned, “This is the hallmark of a traitor. If such individuals betray those who have elevated them to their current positions, how can they be trusted?”
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde office in clarification has said that Maratha reservation is a serious issue and our government is serious in resolving it and our efforts are on , though the clip appears to be tampered and wrongly edited. Where as opposition is pulling the government and the sanctity in their claim in tackling and resolving the issue.
What did CM – DY CM say while mic was on.
CM Shinde: “We have to leave the place Immediately after addressing and we will be free.
Dy CM Ajit Pawar: “Yes yes right”
Dy CM Devendra Fadnavis: SILENT