Maratha quota agitation: Govt delegation meets Manoj Jarange in his village, holds talks

Manoj Jarange/ File Photo

Maharashtra government delegation held talks with activist Manoj Jarange in his village amid intensifying Maratha quota agitation, stated a PTI report. Jarange has been on an indefinite hunger strike in his village Antarwali Sarati in Jalna district since October 25. During the talks, Jarange highlighted the need for reservations for the Maratha community across Maharashtra, the report further stated.

Reportedly, the government delegation, comprising retired high court judges Sandeep Shinde, MG Gaikwad, and other officials, met with Jarange. MLA Bachchu Kadu, who supports the ruling alliance, was also in attendance.

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Jarange had earlier declared his decision to abstain from water despite an all-party meeting's resolution supporting the quota demand.

In the midst of media coverage, Manoj Jarange demanded the government allocate adequate funds and establish multiple teams to conduct a survey of the economic and social backwardness of the Maratha community, PTI report stated. He further demanded the issuance of a government order granting Kunbi caste certificates to Marathas, with the inclusion of the term 'throughout' (Maharashtra).

The report further stated that the Maharashtra government has initiated the process of granting Kunbi certificates to Marathas from the Marathwada region who can provide historical records referring to themselves or their ancestors as Kunbi. The Kunbi community receives reservations in the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category.

During the discussion, Jarange raised questions on Maratha's exclusion from receiving caste benefits. He was quoted asking, 'When other castes are benefiting from the reservation, why are Marathas being excluded?"

The delegation members told Jarange that the reservation could not be granted "overnight" and assured him that the Maratha community would eventually secure it. They clarified that the determination of the backwardness of the community has not been established yet and told him that work of collecting evidence per the Supreme Court order is underway. The delegation elaborated that rushing a decision would not withstand judicial scrutiny, and a new commission is being established to assess the community's backwardness.

All-party meeting held in Mumbai

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led state government on Wednesday held an all-party meeting to discuss the way out of the quota issue. Leaders at the meeting passed a resolution asking Jarange to call off his indefinite fast; but in vain. He has refused to relent.

On Wednesday, the Eknath Shinde-led state government held an all-party meeting to discuss the way out related to the issue.

The meeting was held after Maharashtra saw protests for quota turning violent in multiple districts with protestors resorting to violence and arson.