Maharashtra government on Tuesday approved a bill extending reservation to Marathas above the 50 pc mark during a special session of the state Assembly.
The bill for Maratha quota approved by Eknath Shinde-led Mahayuti government is similar to the Socially and Educationally Backward Classes Act, 2018, introduced by then Devendra Fadnavis government.
A special session of the Assembly was convened after Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil resumed his hunger strike at Antarwali Saarati village in Jalna district.
The reservation was extended based on a report submitted by the Maharashtra Backward Class Commission (MSBCC) which is headed by chairman Justice (Retired) Sunil Shukre.
CM Shinde had previously said that the Maratha quota would be approved in accordance with law after the MSBCC's report is tabled in the special assembly session.
Various leaders from Mahayuti and Maha Vikas Aghadi had arrived in the city for the special session.
NCP leader Nawab Malik who had been away from media glare was also seen in the Vidhan Bhavan premises ahead of the special session.
Congress leader Dheeraj Deshmukh displayed his solidarity with the Maratha community as he donned coat and traditional cap which had 'Maratha aarakshan' (Maratha reservation) written on it.
Speaker Rahul Narwekar and Governor Ramesh Bais were also present at for the special session.
Meanwhile, Abu Asim Azmi and Rais Shaikh of the Samajwadi Party brought a banner demanding reservation for Muslims to eradicate backwardness.
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