"Will Wait Till 24 Dec": Maratha Quota Activist Jarange Asks Maharashtra Govt To Pass Reservation Bill In Winter Session

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange has urged the Maharashtra government to pass a bill providing reservation for Marathas in the upcoming winter session of the state legislature instead of convening a special session.

Speaking at a rally in Thane, the home turf of Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Jarange reminded the government of the 24 December deadline he set for granting reservations to the Maratha community. He warned that if the demand is not met by that time, the agitation would escalate beyond the government's control.

According to Money Control, Jarange, a leader in the movement seeking quota for the Maratha community in government jobs and education under the OBC category, suggested that the government could pass a bill during the regular session starting from 7 December.

He proposed using the latest Kunbi record findings for those with available records and applying the formula of the 2001 Reservation Act for cases where records are not accessible. He emphasised that the community would greatly appreciate such a decision and warned of intensified agitation if reservations were not granted by 24 December.

Addressing the crowd at the Ram Ganesh Gadkari Rangayatan auditorium in the city, Jarange accused the state government of attempting to divide society along caste lines due to its reluctance to grant reservations to Marathas. He cautioned against falling prey to provocations and distractions and urged the Maratha community to maintain peace during the testing times until 24 December.

Jarange said, "Do not not hold six crore Marathas to ransom. The community should be given its 'rightful' reservation. When we gave a jolt to the government, the authorities found the Kunbi records of 32 lakh people. This will benefit around 1.50 crore people."

Without taking any name, he criticised Maharashtra minister Chhagan Bhujbal, an OBC leader, for opposing the demands for reservation from the OBC quota.

Despite his physical weakness due to a fast undertaken for the quota demand, Jarange expressed determination to continue the fight for the cause, highlighting his dream of bringing smiles to the faces of Maratha children through rightful reservation.

He emphasised that the victory would be that of the unity of the Maratha community rather than any individual. Jarange received a warm welcome in Thane, including a roadshow with flower petals showered on him and traditional instruments playing during the procession.