A day after the Maharashtra government accepted all demands of the Maratha community and also issued a gazette notification for expanding the scope of OBC category, quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil Sunday announced that his agitation will continue till Kunbi caste tertificates are issued to all Marathas.
“The agitation will continue till notification issued by the government is implemented. The agitation will continue till the last Maratha gets the Kunbi caste certificate,” Jarange Patil told mediapersons in Antarwali-Saraati in Jalna district.
Jarange Patil arrived in Antarwali-Saraati Saturday evening where he was given a rousing welcome.
“Marathas have won this battle 100 per cent. There is no reason to doubt government intention. But till all Marathas get reservation, our agitation will continue,” he said.
“The government has issued draft rules of amending the Act to expand the OBC category. Till the government implements the gazette notification, the agitation will continue… After the first caste certificate is issued, we will hold our victory rally… I have urged the government to start implementing the notification regarding ‘’sage soyre’ (relatives from a family tree) from tomorrow. The notification is both for OBCs and Marathas,” he added.
When asked about Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s statement that not all cases against agitators will be withdrawn, Jarange Patil, “If that is the case, then the agitation will continue… Let him say what he wants to.”
Asked about Minister Chhagan Bhujbal’s criticism of the government decision, Jarange Patil said, “The way he is raising the decibel level, it shows the government move is on the right path. We don’t care about his statements. He has been making such statements and let him continue.”
The activist said, “The notification issued by the government will be converted into a law. The opponents will submit their objections. We should also submit our suggestions and support to the notification. Marathas should express their support to the notification on social media as well.”
Stating that 57 lakh Kunbi records have been found and 39 lakh individuals have been issued caste certificates so far, Jarange Patil also expressed concern over those whose records have not been found.
“There was a big question mark about those whose Kunbi records have not been found. Since ‘sage-soyre’ word has been included in the notification, those whose Kunbi records have been found should submit an affidavit of their close relatives. If that record is false, then that person will lose his or her reservation. But our demand is that the close relatives of those whose Kunbi record has been found should also at least get one caste certificate.”
Citing an earlier law passed by the state government, he also emphasised that the law should not remain on paper,
“If a law is made, but if it does not benefit, then what is its use? A law was passed on June 1, 2004 which said that Marathas and Kunbis are one and the same. Eighteen years have passed, but it has not benefitted anyone,” Jarange Patil said.
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