Maratha Reservation Row: Maharashtra Govt Hardens Stand As Manoj Jarange Patil’s Hunger Strike Enters 11th Day

Mumbai: As the indefinite hunger strike of Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil enters its 11th day, the Maharashtra government has made its position clear, stating that any decisions on the community's reservation demands must adhere strictly to the Constitution and Supreme Court orders. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis emphasized that the government would not be transferring one community's reservation share to another.

Furthermore, Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, chairman of the Maratha reservation sub-committee and state minister, revealed that the government delegation would no longer visit Jarange for discussions, asserting that the government had exhausted all feasible options and expected Jarange to respond positively. Chief Minister Fadnavis underscored that the government is willing to provide what is permissible under the Constitution and will address issues within judicial purview in compliance with court orders.

He also affirmed that the government has not shut its doors to dialogue, stating their efforts are focused on resolving the Maratha community's concerns.

Vikhe Patil countered the government's stance by stating that all possible government decisions had been made and that Jarange must now respond to these decisions. He maintained that the government has displayed 58 lakh records in gram panchayats and that applications for benefits based on these records are being received. Vikhe Patil claimed that the verification of genealogical records and issuing certificates is currently in progress.

Despite the government's actions, Jarange accused the state government of misleading the Maratha community and failing to honor its commitments. He questioned why the government had kept the community waiting for a year and alleged that it had betrayed the Marathas.