Maratha protests in Azad Maidan, led by Manoj Jarange, prompt response from Ajit Pawar: 'Maharashtra government finds the situation favorable...'
In the heart of Mumbai, at Azad Maidan, Manoj Jarange, an activist, is on an indefinite hunger strike, demanding a 10% quota for the Maratha community under the Other Backward Class (OBC) category.
Jarange's protest, which began on Friday, has garnered support from various quarters, including the former Maharashtra chief minister and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief, Uddhav Thackeray. Thackeray has endorsed Jarange's agitation, with Marathi brethren from all over Maharashtra gathering in Mumbai for the cause.
However, the demand to recognise Marathas as Kunbis, an agrarian caste included in the OBC category, has met opposition from OBC leaders. Jarange's proposal has sparked a debate, with the committee set up to discuss the Maratha quota issue under cabinet minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil deliberating on the matter.
The Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Ajit Pawar, has expressed the state government's positive attitude towards the Maratha quota demands. Pawar has clarified that all parties' members have the right to express their views regarding the protest, and everyone needs to follow the court's decisions. He also stated that the state government is working hard to arrive at a solution through dialogue.
Pawar emphasised that the Maharashtra government is positive about the Maratha quota demands and is working to find a solution. He further clarified that all parties' members have the right to express their views regarding the Maratha quota protest.
The ongoing hunger strike has caused a ripple effect, with heavy traffic on the Sion-Panvel highway due to the Maratha quota protest. Jarange's demands have been ongoing since Friday, with the activist showing no signs of backing down.
In a statement, Pawar expressed that the state government is positive and will find a way to address the Maratha quota issue. He also acknowledged everyone's right to stage a peaceful protest, and the Maharashtra government is working to find a solution to the demands.
Jarange's hunger strike entered its second day on Saturday, with the activist warning the government not to test its resolve. The protest continues, with the future of the Maratha quota issue hanging in the balance. The government's response will be closely watched, as the demand for a Maratha quota continues to resonate across Maharashtra.
Read also:
- Lu Shiow-yen's Challenging Position as Chair of the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Under Scrutiny in Donovan's Analysis
- Enemy Forces Have Taken Ukrainian Prisoner
- BJP Persuaded Delhi Voters That Supporting AAP Was Pointless, According to Pavan K. Varma
- Potential Democratic Contenders for Presidency in 2028 Yet to Exclude Themselves from Race
