Mumbai, September 12 (Daily Kiran) : Praveen Darekar, a close associate of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, asserted on Saturday that the Mahayuti government is fully committed to resolving the demands of the Maratha community. He urged Manoj Jarange Patil, a prominent face of the reservation movement, to ensure that the planned protest in Mumbai remains peaceful and does not disrupt the Ganesh Festival.
In a conversation with reporters, Darekar stated that the state government has consistently supported the protesters and has engaged in multiple rounds of dialogue through delegations of ministers and senior leaders.
He noted, “Out of the 14 demands put forth by the Maratha community, the government has already addressed 12. The remaining one or two are entangled in legal processes and constitutional frameworks, which the government is actively working to resolve.”
Darekar emphasized that the government has made significant provisions and initiatives for the benefit of the community and is open to further discussions to understand what more can be done.
Highlighting the achievements of the Mahayuti government, he claimed that under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Sunetra Pawar, more has been accomplished for the Maratha community than in any previous administration.
Responding to criticisms regarding government representatives visiting protest sites, Darekar stated that addressing the community’s core issues is far more important than the presence of any specific leader. He mentioned that leaders like Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, Uday Samant, and BJP MLA Prasad Lad have previously met with Jarange Patil to discuss their demands.
Darekar acknowledged that protesting in Mumbai is a constitutional right for every citizen but urged protesters to consider the upcoming Ganesh Festival. He remarked that the festival is celebrated on a large scale in Mumbai, and demonstrations should not disrupt the lives of ordinary citizens or religious festivities.
He appealed to the organizers, stating, “The Maratha community has always demonstrated its strength through peaceful and disciplined silent marches. We request that the protests remain peaceful and do not cause any disturbances during the festival.”
Darekar reiterated that the government is always ready for dialogue and will continue to engage in discussions as necessary.
Earlier, Manoj Jarange Patil announced plans for an indefinite hunger strike starting September 19 at Azad Maidan in Mumbai. Speaking at a rally in Antarwali Sarati, he outlined the march’s route and urged the police and the Chief Minister to allow the procession without obstruction.
Jarange emphasized that this march is tied to the respect and existence of the Maratha community. He called on supporters in areas along the route to show their backing, even if they cannot reach Mumbai, and encouraged community members to participate in the movement on the specified dates.
He stated, “We wish to conduct our hunger strike peacefully and democratically. If the police stop us on any highway, we will not break barricades or engage in any confrontation. We will sit peacefully on the road wherever we are halted.”
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