Maratha quota protest: Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis calls for peaceful demonstration

Devendra Fadnavis/ File Photo

In the midst of Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange's scheduled march to Azad Maidan in south Mumbai, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis emphasised the right to protest and called for peaceful demonstrations. The opposition, meanwhile, accused the administration of deceiving the Marathas.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar expressed support for Maratha reservation in government jobs and education, citing Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's efforts to resolve the matter through discussions. "Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is trying to resolve the issue through talks," Ajit Pawar was quoted as saying in a PTI report.

IN PHOTOS: Supporters of Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange gather in Mumbai`s Chembur

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Meanwhile, State Congress President Nana Patole criticised the government for allegedly destroying communal unity and advocated for the elimination of the 50 per cent reservation cap, paving the door for the Maratha quota, the agency report added.

Congress chief for Maharashtra told PTI, "The 50 per cent cap on reservation should be removed which will pave the way for the (Maratha) quota. Jarange should be given protection and if he is harmed in any way, the government will have to pay a heavy price."

NCP working president Supriya Sule accused the government of taking Jarange and the Maratha community for a ride, implying a lack of seriousness in dealing with their concerns. The situation continues tense as demonstrators push for their cause, while the administration emphasises the significance of peaceful demonstrations in maintaining law and order.

Jarange, the Maratha quota leader, travelled to Navi Mumbai with hundreds of supporters to fight for reservations. The activists arrived at the Agriculture Produce Market Committee (APMC) on the outskirts of Mumbai early in the morning, taking various modes of conveyance. According to the plan, Jarange and his supporters will begin a hunger strike in Azad Maidan, demanding Kunbi (OBC) recognition for the Maratha community.

Meanwhile, Manoj Jarange vowed on Friday that he would not give up on the movement until the Maratha community was given reservations in government employment and education. Deepak Kesarkar, a minister from Maharashtra, claimed that the activist's demands have already been met, stated a PTI report.

According to the report, after meeting with a government group, Jarange told demonstrators at Shivaji Chowk in the Vashi neighbourhood of Navi Mumbai that he had received certain documents from them. He stated that before declaring their next move, he planned to talk about these materials with his supporters.

"There is no going back on the agitation till we get reservation," he asserted.