Maharashtra CM Shinde assures to convene special session for Maratha reservation in February
Dec 20, 2023
Nagpur (Maharashtra) [India], December 20 : Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde asserted that the State will hold a special session specifically addressing the Maratha reservation in February.
He further assured that the government is dedicated to its promises, while addressing a joint press conference with Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar.
"We have promised to hold a special session (for Maratha Reservation) in February before which the work of the Backward Classes Commission will be completed. This government will make commitments and keep them," CM Shinde said.
The Chief Minister also appealed to activist Manoj Jarange-Patil, who is seeking reservation in government jobs and education under the OBC category to have faith in the government's commitment to resolving the issue.
"It is everyone's job to maintain law and order in the state. What we are doing is in front of everyone. We do what we say. Our government is sensitive. Our role and purpose is clear. My appeal to Manoj Jarange and other protesters is to have faith in the government, this is a work (Maratha Reservation) that will take some time. Some time should be given," CM Shinde added.
The Maratha community agitation gained momentum after Jarange sat on an indefinite hunger strike on October 25.
Jarange-Patil withdrew his indefinite strike in the second phase on November 3 after setting the December 24 deadline for the government to take a decision on the Maratha reservation.
The agitation has witnessed violence, suicides and the resignation of legislators in support of reservations.
The process of issuance of Kunbi certificates has already begun in Maharashtra. The Kunbi community is eligible for reservations in the OBC category.
Patil refused to give time to the Eknath Shinde-led Maha Yuti dispensation after December 24 over Maratha reservations.
"We would not give even one hour after December 24, 2023, ensure reservation to Marathas by then. There will be more than 3 crore people in the next movement," he said.
He further said that the direction of the next protest movement will be announced in the meeting to be held on December 23.
Jarange pointed out that the state government has not withdrawn cases against Marathas who participated in the protests for reservation.
