The Maratha community, one of the largest and most influential communities in Maharashtra, has been fighting for complete reservation in the state.
Recently, activist Manoj Jarange voiced his strong opposition to the idea of “incomplete reservation” for the Marathas.
Incomplete Reservation Not Acceptable
According to activist Manoj Jarange, the Maratha community will not accept anything less than complete reservation.
Speaking from his village Antarwali Sarati in Jalna district, Jarange emphasized the importance of extending reservation to all sections of the Maratha community.
He called upon the Maharashtra government to hold a special session of the state legislature to discuss this crucial matter.
Extending Reservation to All Marathas
Jarange highlighted the fact that a significant percentage of Marathas are already included in the reservation policy. However, this still leaves a sizeable portion of the community without any such benefits.
He urged the government to extend reservation to the remaining Marathas across the state. To achieve this, Jarange suggested that the government pass a resolution accepting the first report of the committee appointed for this purpose and provide Kunbi caste certificates to eligible Marathas.
Emphasizing the unity of the Maratha community, Jarange stated, “We (Marathas across the state) are brothers and have a blood relation.”
Dividing reservation among different sections of the community is not acceptable to him.
According to Jarange, reservation should be a unifying force that recognizes the shared struggles and aspirations of the entire Maratha community.
Peaceful Agitation by Maratha Activists
Jarange acknowledged the incidents of violence related to the demand for Maratha quota in some parts of the state.
However, he emphasized that Maratha activists are committed to peaceful agitation. He also mentioned two important programs – hunger strikes and a ban on political leaders entering villages – as peaceful means of protest.
Jarange expressed the community’s desire to continue these programs in their fight for complete reservation.
In response to public representatives reportedly considering resignations over the reservation demand, Jarange stated that he did not ask them to resign.
However, if they choose to do so, he requested that it should not have an adverse impact on the community.
Instead, Jarange suggested that MLAs, MPs, former MLAs, and former MPs come together as a group to secure reservation for the Maratha community.
Keeping Public Services Running
Jarange advised against calling for a bandh (general strike) at the moment. He emphasized the importance of keeping public transport services operational for the convenience of the public.
This approach aims to minimize the impact on daily life while still voicing the concerns of the Maratha community.
In a positive development, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde spoke to Jarange and assured him that a decision regarding Kunbi caste certificates for Marathas would be taken at a state cabinet meeting.
