Pro-Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil on January 22 said that Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar should have questioned the State government over the delay in granting quota to the community, and alleged that the latter was speaking against the reservation issue.
On the third day of his 400 km march to Mumbai, Mr. Jarange-Patil, accompanied by thousands of supporters, warned of “serious consequences” if the State government attempted to use force against his rallies, adding that their agitation fell within the democratic framework.
Upon reaching Mumbai on the evening of January 25 or the following morning, the activist plans to sit on an indefinite fast till the State government issues an order granting reservation to the Maratha community.
“Ajit Pawar should have cornered the State government over the Maratha reservation issue. He should have asked why there was a delay in granting the reservation. But instead, he is speaking against the issue,” Mr. Jarange-Patil said.
He said that the agitation could not be defused any longer. “Holding rallies and marching for our demands falls within the framework of democracy. I have even sought permission for a sit-in agitation in Mumbai,” he said.
Mr. Jarange-Patil also said he was ready to hold talks and discussions with the State government’s representatives.
The government should, however, understand the issues of the Maratha community, which has now become more aware, he added.
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced that the State Commission for Backward Classes would conduct a survey from January 23 to assess the social, economic, and educational backwardness of the Maratha community. Mr. Shinde appealed to Mr. Jarange-Patil to not head to Mumbai, mentioning the ongoing efforts of the commission, and stated that a special Assembly session in February had been planned to decide on the Maratha reservation.
