23 January,2024 12:16 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Manoj Jarange/ Pic/Agencies
Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil's ongoing padayatra (foot march), which is calling for the quick implementation of the Maratha reservation, enters its fourth day. The activist remains persistent in his demand as he resumes his march from Ranjangaon, Pune, to Mumbai.
In an interview with ANI, Patil indicated tenacity in his demand and expressed hope for permission to organise protests in either Azad Maidan or Shivaji Park in Mumbai. The Maratha reservation issue has resurfaced in Maharashtra, with Patil spearheading a march to Mumbai.
"Marathwada Divisional Commissioner met me early morning today at around 4 am. He informed me about the steps the government is taking. He also informed me about some Kunbi certificates given to the people from the Maratha Community. But we are firm on our demand for immediate reservation for our community. We will continue to march toward Mumbai. I am sure we will get permission to hold a protest at Azad Maidan or Shivaji Park," Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil told ANI.
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a curative appeal filed by the Maharashtra government on January 24, challenging the court's May 5, 2021 decision that declared the Maratha reservation law unconstitutional. The May 5 ruling overturned reservations for the Maratha group in educational institutions and jobs, claiming a violation of the 50 per cent reservation cap.
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Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde promised that a special session in February 2024 would address the Maratha issue, emphasising fairness to all ethnicities.
Despite the hurdles, Patil remains steadfast in his march, emphasising that Mumbai will be packed with Maratha people on January 25 and 26, demonstrating their dedication to achieving reservations.
On Sunday, Patil told ANI, "We don't have any other option than to go to Mumbai. Today is the second day of the padayatra. Nearly 15 lakh people joined the padayatra yesterday. We have to ask some of them to go back to avoid inconvenience."
He added, "But one thing is sure, on January 25 evening and January 26, Mumbai will be full of Maratha people and the whole of Mumbai will become Bhagva (saffron). Our community will go in full strength. One thing is sure we will not back from here without taking reservations at whatever cost..we will not take our step back."
