Maratha quota: Inaction on issue by govt sparked unrest in community, says Sharad Pawar

NCP Chief Sharad Pawar/ Pradeep Dhivar

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Sharad Pawar expressed concerns on Sunday, pointing fingers at both the Maharashtra and Central governments for their alleged inaction regarding the Maratha quota issue. Pawar emphasized that this lack of progress has led to unrest within the Maratha community, as stated in a report in the PTI.

During an event held in Mumbai, Pawar advocated for the acceptance of the demands put forth by Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange, with the caveat that these actions should not be detrimental to the interests of other communities.

Pawar disclosed that he had personally met Jarange when the activist began his fast last month and comprehended the issues raised by him. According to Pawar, the Maharashtra and Central governments' failure to promptly address the Maratha quota issue played a pivotal role in sparking discontent within the community.

"As a political party, our stance is crystal clear. We advocate that Jarange's demands should be met without undermining the interests of other communities. The imperative task at hand is to ensure that the quota demand is addressed appropriately," Pawar articulated.

The Maratha community has been actively protesting, demanding reservation in government jobs and educational institutions under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category. The agitation has intensified in response to quota activist Manoj Jarange's indefinite fast, initiated on October 25 as part of the protest's second phase. Jarange has also garnered support from various villages that have restricted the entry of political leaders in solidarity with the cause.

Jarange has further threatened to commence fast-unto-death protests in villages across Maharashtra if the state government does not take swift action on the outstanding Maratha community demands. The Maharashtra government has consistently reiterated its commitment to providing the Maratha community with reservation that adheres to legal scrutiny.

NCP delegation meets Maharashtra Guv

A delegation from NCP comprising of Supriya Sule, Jitendra Awhad and Jayant Patil met Maharashtra Governor Ramesh Bais on Sunday over the issue. The party's official handle took to X (formerly Twitter) and wrote, "Under the guidance of National President of Nationalist Congress Party, Honorable Member of Parliament Sharad Chandraji Pawar Saheb, National Working President of the party, Member of Parliament Hon'ble Supriyatai Sule, State President Hon'ble MLA Jayantrao Patil and National General Secretary Hon'ble MLA Jitendra Awad today met His Excellency Governor Ramesh Bais at Raj Bhavan to get reservation for Maratha community. A statement was given to take immediate action."