Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde appeals Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange not to march to Mumbai

File Photo/ANI

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde Sunday appealed Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange not to march to Mumbai, a day after the latter announced his departure from Antarwali Sarati village in Maharashtra's Jalna at 9 am on Saturday to lead the protest march.

Jarange declared that he would come to Mumbai with lakhs of supporters and launch an indefinite fast until their demands are fulfilled.

Jarange has been demanding that Marathas in the state be given Kunbi certificates to enable the community to avail reservation in government jobs and education under the Other Backward Class (OBC) category.

Speaking to reporters Mumbai, Shinde said, "The state government has instructed the Maharashtra State Commission for Backward Classes to expedite its work and submit a report to the state government."

The CM said the state government has also planned to organise a special assembly session in February to decide on the Maratha reservation, he said.

"No other community will be affected or lose its share of reservation when Marathas get a fresh quota. It is the government's responsibility to protect their interests. As the state is positively working on these issues, we expect the protestors to reciprocate positively to our efforts," he said.

Shinde had said on Saturday that the state commission for backward classes will conduct a survey from January 23 to asses the social, economic and educational backwardness of the Maratha community.

The chief minister has directed the administration to carry out the survey in three different shifts on a war footing. The survey will be conducted from January 23 to January 31.

On Saturday Jarange urged Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to sincerely address the Maratha quota issue.

Ahead of a planned protest march to Mumbai, Jarange emphasized that the resolution of the Maratha quota issue relies on Fadnavis, urging him to approach the issue with genuine concern, newswire PTI reported.

"The resolution of the Maratha quota issue rests with Devendra Fadnavis, and he should come forward and resolve the matter with his heart and mind," he said.

Speaking to reporters, Jarange reiterated his demand for Kunbi caste certificates to be issued to 54 lakh Marathas and questioned the progress made by the committee appointed by the Maharashtra state government to address the Maratha quota issue since its commencement on December 23 last year.