Maratha quota: Hemant Patil, Shiv Sena MP from Hingoli, resigns over issue

Sena MP Hemant Patil/ Facebook

Shiv Sena leader Hemant Patil has submitted his resignation as an MP, citing the ongoing Maratha reservation movement in Maharashtra. His resignation has been forwarded to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. Hemant Patil represents the Hingoli Lok Sabha Constituency.

In his statement, Patil emphasized the prolonged unresolved matter of reservation for the Maratha community in Maharashtra. He expressed strong support for the community's sentiments and noted his years of active advocacy for Maratha farmers. He explained his decision to resign from his post as an act of solidarity with the reservation movement.

IN PHOTOS: Hundreds killed, dozens captured in Israel-Hamas battles

1 year agoPHOTO GALLERY

"The issue of reservation for the Maratha community in Maharashtra has been pending for many years, the sentiments of the community are very strong on this issue, I have been actively fighting for the farmers for the Maratha community for many years. I am supporting the movement, I am resigning from my post for reservation," Hemant Patil was quoted as saying.

Activist Manoj Jarange, who has been on an indefinite fast demanding Maratha community reservation, warned that a series of hunger strikes would commence in every village across Maharashtra from October 29 if the government did not promptly grant the reservation.

Meanwhile, the Maratha Kranti Morcha demonstrated its support for Jarange Patil with a protest in Mumbai's Ghatkopar. They announced that this protest and hunger strike would continue in various districts across the state to show their solidarity with Jarange Patil.

Furthermore, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis called for trust in his leadership and assured that Manoj Jarange's health was being taken care of, with a team of doctors present. He stressed the importance of life and affirmed his personal attention to these issues. "Manoj Jarange's health should be taken care of and a team of doctors are present there. Life is important. The Chief Minister himself is paying attention to all these issues. I think they should trust the Chief Minister," he added.

A meeting of the Maharashtra Cabinet sub-committee to discuss providing reservations to the Maratha community is scheduled for Monday in Mumbai.

The Cabinet Sub-Committee, formed to address Maratha Reservation and Facilities, will convene on Monday, October 30, at Mantralaya, the government building, as per a release issued by the state government.

Manoj Jarange Patil, a coordinator for the Maratha Morcha, continues his hunger strike unto death, demanding changes to the state government's ordinance regarding Maratha reservations. His stance is that the fast will persist until the desired amendment is made to the ordinance.