Maratha reservation won’t affect OBC quota, all measures to be within legal framework: Eknath Shinde

On Friday morning, Maratha activist Manoj Jarange Patil began an indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan in Mumbai, reiterating his demand for quota benefits for the community and vowing not to withdraw the agitation until the demands are met.

Shinde highlighted that during his tenure as chief minister, a 10 per cent reservation for the Maratha community was implemented and it is actively benefitting the community. He also pointed to the ongoing work of a committee led by Justice Sandeep Shinde, which continues to verify Kunbi records. “Lakhs of Kunbi records have been found, and the community is being given those benefits as well,” he said at a press conference in Thane.

The deputy chief minister noted that several government schemes, including SARTHi and the Annasaheb Patil Economic Development Corporation, are providing additional support, including educational and economic benefits. “All the work done in the past 2.5 years of government is in front of the Maratha community,” Shinde added.

Recalling the grant of reservation to Marathas under Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis during 2016-17, Shinde said, “Earlier too, reservations were given to the Maratha community, and it stood in the high court as well. But later some people went to the Supreme Court. At that time, the MVA (Maha Vikas Aghadi) government could not present the side of the Maratha community properly, and hence it could not stand in the SC.”

“When I became CM, again I gave 10 per cent reservation. We have done all that is possible and will continue to do everything feasible. This is the stand of the government,” he said, urging communities to maintain social harmony.

Responding to Maratha activist Manoj Jarange Patil’s statement that he would not leave Mumbai even if the government “shoots him down,” Shinde said, “It is not the government’s job to shoot someone. This is the government of the common people.”

Shinde’s statement comes even as the activist has appeared to target Fadnavis while exhibiting a softer stance towards the deputy chief minister. Last week, Jarange Patil had even praised Shinde, saying Fadnavis was not allowing him to work for the Maratha community.

Shinde said the government is considering all suggestions for further benefits, provided they are legally justified. “The government is positive about everything that fits under the law. No one’s reservation or rights can be snatched away,” he said.

Stressing the importance of social harmony, Shinde emphasised on that equitable development remains the government’s priority, while benefits continue to reach the Maratha community through existing schemes and the 10 per cent quota.

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