The talks between a government delegation and Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil on issue of Kunbi certificates failed to make much headway. The activist remained admant on blanket reservation for all Marathas. The government delegation led by minister Girish Mahajan met Jarange-Patil at Antarwali-Saraati in Jalna district Thursday. They tried to convince Jarange-Patil for more than 45 minutes, the but activists remained firm that blanket reservation should be given to Marathas, including all relatives of a man whose Kunbi records have been found. The discussion mainly was focussed on as to who should be called “close relatives”. “Those whose Kunbi records have been made all such families should be given the Kunbi certificates. Besides, all blood relatives should get the Kunbi certificates. And those who demand Kunbi certificates should also get the certificates,'' he insisted. Stating that he was ready to continue discussions till the deadline, Jarange-Patil said, “The government should include necessary words in the law while giving reservation. I am ready to hold discussion with the government till December 24,” Jarange-Patil told the delegation. Besides Mahajan, the delegation included other ministers like Uday Samant and Sandeepan Bhumare. The delegation tried to convince Jarange that blood relatives of a man will be given the Kunbi certificates. “But the relatives of a man's wife cannot be given the certificates as they are not blood realtives,” Mahajan said. Mahajan said, “A wife's relative do not fit into the frame of law for giving reservation.There is no such provision in the law. Therefore, this question cannot be resolved..Currently, efforts are underway to trace 35-36 types of Kunbi records. The work has been taken up on war-footing. After the report of these records is received, the government will hold a special session in February.” To this, Jarange-Patil asked the delegation to define who are ''close relatives.'' He said a man’s wife, her brother and relatives should get the certificates. Jarange-Patil also demanded action against officials who were induling in discrimination while issuing Kunbi certificates. "Some officials are casteists and action should be taken against them,'' he said.
