Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil successfully concluded his hunger strike, securing the issuance of Kunbi certificates for 54 lakh individuals. Dive into the details of the Maharashtra government’s resolution, addressing the demands, and ending the protest. Explore the implications of this development in light of the Supreme Court’s previous decision on Maratha reservations.
In a pivotal development, Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil has effectively concluded his hunger strike following the Maharashtra government’s concession to the demands of the protestors. The central focus of the protest, the issuance of Kunbi certificates to around 54 lakh individuals, has been successfully addressed by the state government, marking a significant triumph for the Maratha community.
The breakthrough announcement was made by Patil during a press conference on Friday night, where he expressed his contentment with the government’s responsiveness. “Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has done a commendable job. Our protest is now officially concluded, and our request has been acknowledged. I am scheduled to drink juice personally handed to me by the Chief Minister tomorrow (Saturday),” affirmed a relieved Patil.
This resolution follows Patil’s stern warning that protestors would march towards Mumbai if their demands were not met, including the crucial issuance of a Government Resolution on the Maratha quota. Additionally, Patil stressed the necessity for the withdrawal of police cases related to the demand for Maratha reservations in the state.
On Friday, Patil issued a strong warning to the state government, demanding the immediate issuance of a government resolution concerning the Maratha quota. He underscored that failure to meet these demands would result in protestors marching towards Mumbai on Saturday morning. Additionally, he called for the withdrawal of all police cases related to the demand for Maratha reservations in the state.
In response to the resolution, Maharashtra Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha assured that the recently passed ordinance comprehensively addresses all concerns raised during the protests. According to Lodha, the movement led by Manoj Jarange Patil has found a resolution, and there is no longer a need to continue the protests. He stated, “The ordinance that was passed today has the solution to all the problems. Manoj Jarange Patil has announced that since the solution has been received, there is no need to continue the protests. CM Eknath Shinde will end Manoj Jarange Patil’s fast with juice. The movement has reached a solution.”
This development takes place against the backdrop of the Supreme Court’s decision on May 5, 2021, to strike down reservations for the Maratha community in colleges, higher educational institutions, and jobs. The court’s decision emphasized the lack of valid grounds to breach the 50 percent reservation limit while granting Maratha reservations. The successful resolution of this recent protest indicates a positive stride towards addressing the longstanding concerns of the Maratha community.
Manoj Jarange Patil’s steadfast dedication to the cause, coupled with the government’s responsiveness, has led to a harmonious conclusion to the Maratha quota protest. The community can now look forward to a more inclusive future with the resolution of this significant issue. As we reflect on this momentous event, it becomes evident that the collective efforts of the protestors, led by Manoj Jarange Patil, have resulted in a positive impact on the Maratha community’s aspirations for fair representation and social justice.
Maratha Quota Stir: Mumbai Police Engage in Talks with Activist Manoj Jarange Patil Amidst Rising Tensions
In a bid to defuse escalating tensions, a high-level team of senior Mumbai police officials held closed-door discussions with Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange in Navi Mumbai on Friday. The proposed stir, led by Jarange and backed by thousands of supporters camped in the APMC area in Vashi, has raised concerns of a potential sit-down agitation in Azad Maidan if their demands, including free education for Maratha children, are not met.
The Mumbai police team, consisting of Additional Commissioner of Police (Special Branch) Virendra Mishra, Additional Commissioner of Police (East) Vinayak Deshmukh, and Deputy Commissioner of Police Purushottam Karad, engaged in talks with Jarange to address the grievances and concerns behind the planned protest.
While the specifics of the closed-door discussion were not immediately disclosed, Jarange later spoke to reporters, expressing cooperation between the Maratha agitators and the police force. He emphasized the immediate release of protesters who had been taken into custody.
Jarange and his supporters embarked on their journey from Antarwali Sarati village in Jalna on January 20, marching towards Mumbai to voice their demands for Maratha quota. The core demand revolves around the distribution of Kunbi certificates to Maratha community members, enabling them to avail themselves of reservations under the OBC segment.
The situation in Navi Mumbai remains tense, with Jarange and his supporters warning of a march into Mumbai’s Azad Maidan for a sit-down agitation starting Saturday if their demands are not addressed promptly. The deployment of a significant number of police personnel in the APMC area, along with units from the local police, State Reserve Police Force (SRPF), and Rapid Action Force (RAF) at strategic points, aims to maintain law and order amidst the rising tensions.
Jarange’s call for free education for Maratha children adds another dimension to the protest, highlighting broader socio-economic issues faced by the community. As the dialogue between the activists and the police continues, the city awaits a resolution that could potentially diffuse the mounting tensions and prevent further escalation of the situation.
The ongoing developments underscore the significance of effective communication and negotiation to address the concerns of various communities and ensure a peaceful resolution to the current standoff.