Activist Manoj Jarange slams Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar for opposing Maratha quota from OBC pool

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Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange on Friday lashed out at Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar, who has been opposing reservations for the Maratha community from the Other Backward Classes (OBC) quota. Wadettiwar, the Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, had cautioned against succumbing to Jarange's December 24 deadline for Maratha quota and urged the Maharashtra government not to take a path that would be unjust to OBCs.

Wadettiwar's suggestion that Maratha youth focus on studies rather than following Jarange was met with criticism. Jarange accused Wadettiwar of changing his stance and making baseless allegations against the Maratha community. He asserted that OBCs are not supportive of leaders like Wadettiwar, news agency PTI reported.

Jarange took a swipe at the Congress, expressing dismay at an opposition party that does not advocate for including the Marathas in the OBC category. He highlighted the deprivation of opportunities for Maratha youth due to the lack of reservations provided by certain leaders.

Emphasizing the determination of Maratha youth to pursue education, Jarange criticized a handful of individuals who, according to him, hinder opportunities for the community. Dismissing Wadettiwar's influence, Jarange claimed that even the next five generations of Marathas would not pay heed to him.

Jarange, known for his activism in support of Maratha reservations, had previously undertaken fasts between August 29 and September 14 and then again from October 25 to November 2.

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Meanwhile, Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar, who is also the Leader of Opposition in the assembly, said in a post on X that if the ceiling, currently at 50 per cent, is raised, all issues related to reservation will be resolved.

Maharashtra earlier this month witnessed a reintensified agitation for quota by the Maratha community. The state government should take up this issue in the next legislature session, Wadettiwar demanded.

Senior Congress leader Ashok Chavan said in a statement that the Bihar assembly has increased the overall quota to 75 percent and "why can't it happen in Maharashtra." The state government should take steps to waive the quota limit in the coming winter session of the assembly which will help the Maratha community get reservation, the former chief minister said.

The BJP, which is part of the government in Maharashtra, supported the quota bill in the Bihar assembly, he noted. (With inputs from PTI)