Won’t take any decision that may cause confrontation between Marathas, OBC groups: Fadnavis

Asked about the all-party meeting on the quota issue convened by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to be held later in the day, Fadnavis said, “On certain issues such as Maratha reservation, it is important to look beyond politics. Everybody should view this issue from a social angle. The primary goal is to ensure that the Maratha community’s demands are addressed through consensus. Through adequate consultations, the state government wants to strike a consensus to take the issue forward to its logical end.”

Reacting to Maratha activist Manoj Jarasange Patil’s recent ‘threat’ to give up water in order to scale up his indefinite fast over the reservation issue, the deputy chief minister said, “CM Eknath Shinde has already taken measures to resolve the issue by holding discussions with the Maratha organisation representing Manoj Jarasange Patil, among others.”

“While making a decision on the Maratha reservation, the state government has to ensure that it withstands legal and constitutional validity. If the state government takes any decision in a hurry to please the Maratha community and if it is challenged in court, it will be a setback. While giving reservations, there are several aspects that will have to be factored in carefully to ensure a positive outcome,” he added.

It must be mentioned here that Jarasange Patil has demanded that Marathas be given Kunbi certificates, allowing them to avail of reservations under the OBC category. The activist further sought that the condition to prove lineage through documentation be waived off.

Appealing to OBC leaders to not make any untoward statement, Fadnavis said, “I would like to reassure them that the state government will not allow any injustice against the OBCs. OBC leaders and organisations should also be careful not to make any statements or take action that will lead to a confrontation between the two communities.

“Any confrontation between communities does not augur well for the society. We have to ensure that every issue, however complex it may be, is amicably resolved through dialogue and consensus.”

At present, the quantum of reservation in government jobs and education in Maharashtra is 52 per cent, of which 19 per cent is reserved for the OBC community.

Reacting to the demand for the Maratha reservation, OBC Jan Morcha President Prakash Shedge has already stated, “OBC organisations are not against Maratha reservation. But they should be given reservations separately. If they get reservations under the OBC category, it will be an injustice to 350 communities that are covered under the 19 per cent quota.”