Mumbai, September 15 (Daily Kiran) : Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has publicly urged Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil to reconsider his planned march in Mumbai. This appeal comes after the Mumbai police denied permission for a protest at Azad Maidan due to concerns about law and order during the Ganesh Festival.
Shinde reiterated the state administration’s positive stance toward the Maratha community’s demands. He emphasized that while the government respects the right to peaceful protest, maintaining public order and preventing inconvenience to the millions of Ganesh devotees is a top priority.
Highlighting the significance of the festival, Shinde called on the organizers to adopt a collaborative approach. He noted that Ganeshotsav attracts millions of devotees from India and abroad, and the government is committed to ensuring that these visitors face no disruptions.
The Deputy Chief Minister reminded Jarange of the Maratha community’s history of organizing 58 large, peaceful rallies that have garnered global respect for maintaining exemplary discipline without disrupting public life.
Shinde welcomed constructive feedback and democratic expression but cautioned against political exploitation. He warned that external elements should not transform the movement into a political agenda or exploit the sentiments of marginalized Maratha youth. He reiterated that the administration is open to constitutional dialogue on all relevant issues.
Addressing the media, Shinde outlined several legislative and administrative measures taken by the government to support the Maratha community without compromising the rights of Other Backward Classes (OBC) or other groups. Following the Justice Shukre Commission’s findings, a special legislative session was convened to implement 10 percent reservation for the Maratha community in jobs and education, benefiting current students and youth.
Despite ongoing legal challenges and Supreme Court stay orders, the state government has ensured the appointment of 5,300 candidates who were previously delayed. Under the Justice Shinde Committee, dedicated units in district collector offices have verified historical records and issued millions of Kunbi caste certificates across the state.
Additionally, Shinde announced an increase in the maximum limit for interest-free loans provided through the Annasaheb Patil Economic Development Corporation from 1 million to 1.5 million rupees. He also mentioned that benefits such as foreign study scholarships, hostel accommodations, and concessions at the Sarathi Institute have been aligned with existing OBC welfare schemes.
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