Maratha quota row: Supriya Sule says issuance of ordinance was delayed too much

NCP MP Supriya Sule on X. File Pic/Shadab Khan

Taking a jibe at the Eknath Shinde-led government on Sunday, NCP leader Supriya Sule highlighted the delay in the issuing of a draft ordinance regarding Maratha reservation, underscoring its impact on Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil and his supporters who accompanied him to Mumbai.

Labelling the government as negligent and insensitive, Sule on Sunday stated that the Marathas were compelled to travel all the way to Mumbai when the notification could have been issued months ago. Sule's remarks came a day after the Maharashtra government issued a gazette notification presenting draft rules to grant Kunbi caste certificates to include Marathas in the OBC category.

NCP MP Supriya Sule

Talking to the media on Sunday, Sule said, "I congratulate Jarange Patil and all his supporters for their success. Now that the ordinance/notification has come, let us see what happens next. The demands for reservation from the Dhangar, Maratha, Lingayat, and Muslim communities have been pending for years. The ordinance could have been issued sooner. But the fact that Jarange Patil had to travel all the way to Mumbai for the government to take this decision highlights the perceived insensitivity of the government in this regard."

Jarange-Patil ended his protest and hunger strike after the Maharashtra government responded to his demands by issuing a draft ordinance concerning reservation in education and jobs under the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) category. Having initially threatened to march towards Mumbai if his demands were not met by Saturday morning, Jarange Patil ceased his protest and set up camp in Navi Mumbai, accompanied by thousands of supporters.

Sule, on the other hand, has been openly criticising the state government on its stance over Maratha reservation issues. Critiquing the Shinde-led state government, Sule wrote on X (formerly Twitter): "Protests have escalated in Maharashtra, demanding the implementation of reservations for Maratha and Dhangar communities in recent days. The long-standing demand for reservations for the Maratha, Dhangar, Lingayat, and Muslim communities persists despite the ruling party's majority both at the Centre & State. This prolonged neglect has led to profound anger and frustration within these communities, tragically resulting in a surge of youth suicides. It's an extremely concerning situation that requires immediate attention. Hence, it is crucial that these reservation issues are thoroughly discussed in the House, accompanied by the introduction of relevant bills for resolution. Urging the Lok Sabha Speaker Hon. Om Birla Ji to prioritise the discussion of these reservation matters in the upcoming Lok Sabha session. Addressing these concerns through robust debates and legislative measures is fundamental to alleviate the escalating distress and ensure justice for these communities."

MNS reaction

Adding to the debate and criticism, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray wrote (in Marathi) on X, "Congratulation to Shri Jarange Patil. All your demands have been acknowledged and accepted by the government! The only pending thing is the reservation. Seek clarification from the Chief Minister about the timeline for its implementation, ensuring our Maratha brothers and sisters too comprehend the current situation as it is. It is anticipated that transparency will prevail before the Lok Sabha elections!"

Jan 27
Day Jarange Patil ended his protest