Maratha quota: All-party meet urges Patil to call off fast, denounces violence

“All parties are unanimous on giving reservation to Marathas. Reservations which survive the test of law can be given only after completing the legal formalities and all political parties in the state are ready to work together for this. While action regarding this will be taken at the earliest, it needs to be given necessary time,” the resolution signed by representatives of all political parties stated.

It further added that the violent incidents in the state taking place during the protests are wrong and are defaming the agitation. “We express deep dislike over this. We appeal (to protesters) to not take the law into their hands and maintain law and order. We appeal to Manoj Jarange Patil to co-operate in these efforts and withdraw his fast,” it said.

The meeting was called by the state government in the wake of the fast unto death by Patil, who has been demanding blanket Kunbi (OBC) certificates to all Marathas, and the violence that followed in different parts of the state, especially in Beed district where houses of elected representatives and government properties were torched.

State Home Minister and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday announced that such incidents will not be tolerated and announced to file cases under murder Section (307 of IPC) against the protesters. The state Cabinet too unanimously agreed to take steps to maintain law and order in the state.

All parties extended support to the Maharashtra government, saying law and order should not be disturbed. Earlier in the meeting, Shinde read out the measures undertaken by the state government for the Maratha community. Fadnavis explained the legal status of the case and of the curative petition filed in the Supreme Court.

Former Chief Minister and Congress Working Committee (CWC) member Ashok Chavan said that the present issue is not limited to giving Kunbi certificates to a few thousand Marathas from Marathwada and is much larger. “The state government must seek help from the Centre and why is it not doing so? There is no point in a political blame game and even the people are not interested in a blame game,” he said.

Political leaders who attended the meeting unanimously asked the state government to ensure law and order is maintained in the state and undertake strict measures if necessary.