Maratha quota row: Activist Monoj Jarange on Saturday threatened to intensify his agitation if the government fails to provide reservations to the Maratha community in jobs and education after October 24. Jarange, a 40-year-old activist, is considered to be the man who has brought back the Maratha quota issue to the centre stage in Maharashtra. Earlier, the activist had set a 40-day deadline before the state government for taking steps to implement reservations for the Maratha community.
While addressing a massive gathering at Antarwali Sarati village in Jalna district, the lanky leader said, “after October 24, it will be either my funeral procession or the community’s victory celebration (after granting of reservation)."
Earlier on September 14, Jarange ended his hunger strike after Chief Minister Eknath Shinde assured of fulfilling his demand. He was on a hunger strike in the village over his demand for reservation for the Maratha community under the OBC category.
Jarange demanded Kunbi certificates
Jarange demanded on Saturday that Marathas across the state be given Kunbi certificates. Kunbis enjoy reservation benefits under the Other Backward Caste (OBC) category. The activist said he would address the community on October 22 to explain their course of action after October 24 in case the demand is not fulfilled. He also asked his supporters to maintain peace during protests.
Jarange slammed state minister and NCP Chhagan Bhujbal for allegedly claiming that Rs 7 crore had been collected for Saturday’s protest. He said that only the Maratha community supported the protest and managed to arrange just Rs 21 lakh for the gathering. He also accused Bhujbal, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and advocate Gunratan Sadavarte of trying to incite the Maratha community and urged the members to stay united and “not to fall for divisive tactics”.
He appealed to PM Modi to have a word with Fadnavis
The activist urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to have a "word with Fadnavis and drum some sense into him over the issue". The Maratha community has given so much to Fadnavis, he claimed. “If you grant reservation to Marathas, the people of the community will hold you in high regard,” he said.
Jarange claimed that his Facebook account was inaccessible for two hours, suggesting that it was under some kind of clampdown.
Jarange slams Maharashtra government over survey
He accused the Maharashtra government of not conducting a survey to facilitate Maratha reservation. The activist said the government should consider increasing the quota ceiling beyond 50 per cent to accommodate reservations to Marathas while ensuring that the move is not struck down by courts.
Marathas are primarily a farming community and they have been a significant contributor to the country’s agricultural landscape, providing essential foodgrains, he said. “Despite their crucial role, the community feels marginalised and excluded from the benefits of reservation,” he said.
(with inputs from PTI)
