Maratha Quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil Ends Protest as Shinde Govt Responds With Draft Ordinance

by news
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January 27, 2024

Mumbai : Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil has ended his protest as the Maharashtra government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, responded to the demands by presenting a draft ordinance regarding reservation in education and employment within the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) category.

Jarange Patil, who had previously threatened to lead a march to Mumbai if his demands were not met by Saturday morning, called off his protest and stayed with thousands of supporters in Navi Mumbai. Chief Minister Shinde, after holding discussions with officials regarding Jarange’s demands, dispatched a delegation late Friday night with a draft ordinance addressing the concerns raised by the activist.

The delegation consisted of Social Justice Department Secretary Sumant Bhange, Aurangabad Divisional Commissioner Madhukar Arangal, Chief Minister’s Personal Secretary Amol Shinde, and others.

Expressing contentment with the government’s response, Jarange Patil stated, “Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has acted commendably. Our protest is now concluded. Our requests have been acknowledged. We will receive the letter from him. Tomorrow (Saturday), I will drink juice offered by the Chief Minister.”

The Maratha community, advocating for reservation in education and employment within the OBC category, has been a central point of discussion between community leaders and the state government. Patil, who initiated a fresh hunger strike in Vashi, Navi Mumbai on Friday, had delineated specific demands, including Kunbi certificates for all Marathas, free education from kindergarten to postgraduate levels, and reserved seats for Marathas in government job recruitments.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar voiced his support for reservation for the Maratha community and emphasized that CM Shinde was actively working to resolve the issue through dialogue.

Despite terminating the protest, Patil clarified, “We have not abandoned our plans to march to Azad Maidan (in Mumbai).”

“We will go there to celebrate if the government issues all orders pertaining to our demands. If not, we will commence an indefinite hunger strike from tomorrow.”

The draft ordinance put forth by the Maharashtra government addresses several crucial demands of the Maratha community, suggesting a potential resolution to the longstanding issue of reservation for the community in the state.