Uran, September 8 (Daily Kiran) : Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addressed the ongoing Maratha reservation issue and activist Manoj Jarange Patil’s new demands during a press conference on September 8 in Uran. He stated that the government has made significant decisions for the welfare of the Maratha community and will continue to do so.
Fadnavis emphasized that the community has benefitted from the government’s previous actions rather than mere promises. Speaking after the inauguration of the JNPT-Naya Umargaon section of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC), he reiterated that any reservation for the Maratha community must fall within constitutional limits and withstand legal scrutiny. He warned against solutions that might not hold up under judicial review.
The Chief Minister assured that providing reservation benefits to the Marathas would not disadvantage other groups. “We will not take away anyone’s rights to give to another,” he stated, emphasizing that the OBC quota will remain secure.
When questioned about Jarange Patil’s ongoing protests and demands, Fadnavis expressed that the government is always open to dialogue. He stated that if there are any doubts, shortcomings, or misunderstandings regarding the government’s decisions, the state is ready to clarify and resolve them.
Meanwhile, Jarange Patil’s hunger strike continues, and his health has deteriorated. After discussions with ministers Uday Samant and Prasad Lad, he agreed to receive intravenous fluids but remains firm on not ending his fast until all his demands are met.
In this context, former minister and senior BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar noted that resolving major issues often takes time, recalling that the Maratha reservation matter has remained unresolved through various previous administrations. He expressed confidence that current leaders, including Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Sunetra Pawar, are positively engaged in finding a solution.
Mungantiwar highlighted that the final resolution to the reservation issue lies in passing a constitutional amendment in Parliament. This step would facilitate reservation for the Maratha and Dhangar communities without adversely affecting existing quotas for other groups. He urged all political party MPs to unite in Delhi and discuss the matter with the Prime Minister.
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