In the ongoing dispute over the granting of reservations to the Maratha community in Maharashtra, activist leader Jarange has rejected a dialogue proposed by the state government. This decision comes after a meeting between Jarange and a delegation sent by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
The meeting was intended to discuss the process of granting reservations to the Maratha community, a long-standing demand that has seen widespread protests in Maharashtra. However, according to sources close to Jarange, he expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s approach and refused to engage in further discussions until his demands are met.
In a sharp critique, Jarange also criticized Chief Minister Fadnavis for sending former Justice Sandeep Shinde, who heads the committee set up by the state government to expedite the process of granting reservation to the Marathas, to hold parleys with him. This move was seen as an attempt by the government to pacify the protestors without making significant concessions.
The Maratha community constitutes a significant portion of Maharashtra’s population and has been demanding reservations in education and employment on par with other backward classes (OBC). The state government had previously promised to grant these reservations, but the process has been slow and fraught with challenges.
The Maratha quota issue has been a contentious point in Maharashtra politics for several years. Protests and demonstrations have periodically erupted, leading to tension and occasionally violence. The current standoff between Jarange and the government signals that the issue remains unresolved and could potentially escalate further.
As the standoff continues, both sides are urging their supporters to maintain peace and not resort to violent means. The state government has promised to address the demands of the Maratha community and is expected to take steps towards fulfilling its promise in the coming weeks. However, until a resolution is reached, the Maratha quota issue will remain a significant point of contention in Maharashtra politics.
