Cong’s masterstroke: Narayan Rane to head panel on Maratha quota

Maharashtra Congress chief Manikrao Thakre and CM Prithviraj Chavan agreed on Rane considering the goodwill he has earned in the last three days defending MLAs against police in the Assembly.

A senior MPCC general secretary said,“NCP has always had an upper hand in eliciting support from Marathas who constitute 30% of the vote bank. If certain measures are taken to improve their condition,Congress can take credit.”

Leader of opposition in the state council Vinod Tawde of BJP and senior MLC Vinayak Mete of NCP were at the forefront demanding the reservation in education and government jobs.

Tawde said,“BJP is not concerned about intra-Congress politics. Or how it would impact Congress-NCP equations. I am fighting for the cause of the economically backward among Marathas.

“Politically and socially,nobody can afford to ignore the community. Statistics show of the 288 assembly seats at least 150 have candidates representing the community.

“While it is true Marathas have always been a ruling class,it does not mean the backwards among them should remain in a state of neglect. We want reservation for Marathas in education and jobs. I am not seeking reservation in politics.”

Mete said,“I am not going to give up my battle for the rights of Marathas. We are seeking basic rights for the economically backward in the community.”

The ruling Congress and NCP are,however,not taking an official stand as they do not want to invite the wrath of other OBCs and SC/STs.

The government is also consulting the department of law and judiciary. SCs,STs,OBCs and Vimukta Jati and Nomadic Tribes enjoy 52 per cent reservation in the state. The government argument is the apex court has made it clear it cannot exceed the 52 per cent quota. However,Maratha forums argue,“Tamil Nadu has extended reservation beyond 60 per cent,why can’t Maharashtra?”