Maratha quota issue: A day ahead of the protest march Manoj Jarange urges Devendra Fadnavis to resolve the issue wholeheartedly

File Photo/PTI

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange has 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 announced his departure from Antarwali Sarati village in Maharashtra's Jalna at 9 am on Saturday to lead the protest march. He 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.

Jarange also accused state minister Girish Mahajan of making false promises and betraying the Maratha community. He questioned Mahajan's whereabouts, referring to the promises made by the minister and the government's commitment to resolving the issue within a specified timeframe.

"Where is minister Girish Mahajan who had come with seven ministers and promised to resolve the issue within 30 days? We had at that time given them (the government) 40 days, now where is he hiding?" the activist said.

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Jarange declared that the upcoming march to Mumbai would be the final struggle, urging the entire Maratha community to gather in the Maharashtra capital on January 26 to demonstrate their unity and strength. Despite potential legal and police actions, Jarange asserted that the community is prepared to face any consequences and emphasized that fear of legal repercussions would not deter their determination.

"The community is willing to face any legal or police action. Fear of legal consequences will not deter their resolve," he said.

Additionally, the activist alleged that the administration has not adequately adhered to government orders in issuing caste certificates to Marathas. (With inputs from PTI)