Maratha quota stir: The all-party meeting called by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Wednesday (November 1) was held to discuss the situation necessitated by the intensified Maratha quota protests which turned violent in parts of the state. A resolution was adopted in the meeting with consensus agreeing on the provision of reservation to the Maratha community, while also noting that a legal route should be taken for the process. It noted that there is a necessity to give the required time. The leaders also condemned the violence in the parts of the state as part of the protest. The resolution also urged Manoj Jarange, who is on an indefinite fast, to withdraw his fast.
"Everyone is unanimous about giving reservation to the Maratha community. Permanent reservation can be given only after its legal aspects are completed and all parties in the state are ready to work together in this regard. Legal action should be taken as soon as possible. However, it is necessary to give the required time. This should also be kept in mind. The incidents of violence that have taken place and are taking place in the state are unjustified and are bringing disrepute to the movement. We strongly reject these incidents. An appeal is being made that no one in the state should take law into their own hands, peace and law and order should be maintained in the state. Manoj Jarange Patil is also requested to cooperate and withdraw his fast," a signed resolution by various leaders of the ruling and Opposition ranks read.
Important points of the meeting
Various leaders participated in the meeting including NCP chief Sharad Pawar who was seen sitting beside the Chief Minister. Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray was not present in the meeting after Sanjay Raut claimed that his party MPs and MLAs have not been invited to the all-party meeting called by the Maharashtra government on the Maratha reservation. Only Ambadas Danve, Leader of Opposition in Maharashtra Legislative Council, have been called to the meeting by the state government, he claimed.
The important things that were discussed in the meeting:
- All parties agreed together to maintain law and order in the state
- All the big leaders of Maratha community of the state should be taken into confidence.
- There is a BJP government at the Centre, hence a bill on the subject of reservation should be brought in the Parliament during the Victor session.
- Apart from the curative petition, the Center should work on increasing the reservation limit to more than 50 per cent and Maratha reservation should be given by December - Shetkari Kamgar Party leader Jayant Patil said.
- Solution of the issue of Maratha community both at the Center and in the state.
- Bachchu Kadu said that reservation should be given to Maratha and Kunbi together.
- Uddhav Balsaheb Thackeray faction leader Anil Parab asked Chief Minister Eknath Shinde how much time will it take for the Sandeep Shinde Committee and the Backward Commission to prepare the report.
Impacts of protests
With the quota activist Manoj Jarange's indefinite fast completing a week, the incidents of violence were witnessed in several parts of the state in the last two days.
State-run bus services have been completely suspended in five Marathwada districts while curfew and Internet shut-down have been imposed in parts of Beed where the houses of political leaders were targeted by protesters.
The Chief Minister has appealed to people not to resort to violence and also asked political parties to avoid indulging in any activities that would worsen the situation.
More on Maratha quota stir
Activist Manoj Jarange, who is observing an indefinite fast for the quota demand at Antarwali Sarati village in Jalna district, on Tuesday said the Maratha community will not accept an "incomplete reservation" and the Maharashtra government should call a special session of the state legislature on the issue.
He threatened to stop drinking water from Wednesday evening if the "complete" quota was not granted to the Maratha community.
According to a statement by the Chief Minister's Office earlier, Jarange, who started his second hunger strike on October 25, began to drink water after a "satisfactory" discussion with Shinde on Wednesday morning.
Jarange said the government should not "trouble" Maratha youth who are protesting peacefully or else a firm response will be given. He criticised Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis who has said the perpetrators of violence in Beed will face charges under IPC section 307 (attempt to murder).
Jarange expressed displeasure over the state Cabinet's decision to grant Kunbi caste certificates to the Marathas in the Marathwada region.
"Don't be selective in granting reservation. Give Kunbi caste certificates to all Marathas. Officials should not distribute these (Kunbi) certificates (as declared by the government). The government should accept the first report of the Justice Shinde committee and convene a special session of the legislature to decide on the Maratha quota," he said.
In May 2021, the Supreme Court struck down Maharashtra's Socially and Educationally Backward Classes Act, 2018, which granted reservation to the Maratha community, for violating the 50 per cent ceiling.
