Maratha activist Jarange Patil rejects GR, says will continue indefinite fast

Unfortunately, it has not incorporated our demands. We want Marathas across Maharashtra be considered as Kunbi and issue a caste certificate to avail OBC quota.” Secondly, he said, “The state government had issued a GR in 2004 promising to give Kunbi caste certificates to Maratha-Kunbis, Kunbi-Marathas and Kunbis. But for 19 years, it has not been implemented.”

Members of Maha Vikas Agadhi (MVA) stage protest against the state government over Lathicharge incident on Maratha Kranti Morcha members at Jalna. (PTI)

While stating that he was in favour of continuing the dialogue with government to find a lasting solution to Maratha reservation, Patil said, “I will not withdraw my agitation and indefinite fast till government comes out with an amended GR incorporating all our concerns. The eligibility conditions of lineage and documents should be removed.

Instead, the government should come out with amended GR declaring Kunbi certificates to the entire Maratha community in Maharashtra.”

He also appealed to the Marathas to show restraint and not indulge in any violence or take law and order into their hands. The agitation will become meaningless if lives are lost. The reservation will be important only if we all are alive and avail, he stressed.

A delegation led by former minister Arjun Khotkar on behalf of the state government met Jarange Patil at Antarwali Sarathi village on Saturday. He handed over him a closed envelope to convey the government’s commitment to Maratha reservation. A copy of GR, which was issued by state government after the cabinet passed the resolution on September 7 and a copy of 2004 GR which had promised Kunbi reservation to eligible Maratha-Kunbi and Kunbi-Marathas were given to Jarange Patil.

While all Kunbis come under Maratha category, not all Marathas qualify for Kunbi.

But Jarange Patil has demanded that all Marathas irrespective of sub-castes and region should be issued Kunbi certificate and be entitled for reservation under OBC.

On Friday, CM Eknath Shinde along with Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis held a marathon meeting with Maratha delegates at Sahayadri Guest house in Mumbai. The state legal department officials along with experts were present at the meeting. The meeting continued past midnight.

Khotkar said, “At the meeting, the state government has reiterated its commitment to reservation for Marathas. They are seeking some time to ensure that the process is adhered to and the reservation withstands legal and constitutional test.”

Khotkar said, “I urge Jarange Patil to end the protest and fast.” He also said, “I will convey the concerns raised by Maratha activists to government.”

The dialogue between the state government emissary and Maratha protestors was third such attempt on Saturday which proved futile.