Maratha quota stir: Concrete decision will be taken in today's cabinet meeting, CM Shinde tells Manoj Jarange

Manoj Jarange assured his community and the government that he will continue to take the saline drip and drink water. Pic/Agencies

In a recent telephonic conversation, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde reached out to Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil to inquire about his well-being. The discussion between CM Shinde and Jarange Patil was characterized by a positive exchange surrounding the provision of reservation for the Maratha community, ANI reported.

During their conversation, CM Shinde assured Jarange Patil that a firm decision would be made during the day's cabinet meeting regarding the issuance of Kunbi certificates to the Maratha community. Shinde emphasized the government's commitment to resolving the Maratha reservation issue through legal means, mentioning the filing of a curative petition in the Supreme Court.

The conversation culminated on a promising note, with Jarange Patil reportedly expressing satisfaction with the conversation. Subsequently, Jarange Patil was observed consuming water following the discussion with Chief Minister Shinde.

Meanwhile, the situation in Maharashtra's Beed district during the Maratha reservation agitation has been brought under control, and 49 people have been arrested in connection with the recent incidents of violence and arson, Beed Superintendent of Police Nandkumar Thakur said.

The unrest led to a curfew being imposed in specific areas of Beed district after multiple instances of violence and property damage targeting political figures, PTI reported. Authorities confirmed that the situation has stabilized, with no further incidents reported overnight.

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Speaking to PTI, Thakur said cases involving rioting and endangerment of lives have been filed in connection with these events, resulting in the arrest of 49 demonstrators. Additionally, an increased police presence has been deployed to maintain law and order.

The curfew, as per the directive issued by Beed Collector Deepa Mudhol Munde, covers a 5-kilometer perimeter from the collector's office, taluka head offices, and all national highways passing through the district.

The recent disturbances saw a series of arson attacks on the residences and properties of politicians, including the burning of NCP MLA Prakash Solanke's residence in Majalgaon town, initiated by a group of demonstrators. The demonstrators were incited by an audio clip purportedly containing veiled comments about the fasting quota activist Manoj Jarange made by the MLA.

The unrest extended to the setting ablaze of the Majalgaon Municipal Council building's first floor and the vandalism of its premises by the protesting Maratha reservation activists. Further incidents involved the burning and vandalism of the residential premises and office of NCP MLA Sandeep Kshirsagar in Beed city and the torching and stone-pelting at the residence of former state minister Jaydutt Kshirsagar.