Maratha Reservation: Manoj Jarange Patil, a prominent Maratha quota activist, has issued a stern ultimatum to the Maharashtra government, warning of a march to Mumbai if an ordinance on Maratha reservation is not enacted by Saturday. Thousands of supporters have rallied behind Patil, demanding inclusion of the Maratha community within the OBC category for employment and education opportunities.Maratha Reservation: March for Maratha QuotaCommencing from Jalna district on January 20, Manoj Jarange Patil initiated a march towards Mumbai, accompanied by a substantial number of supporters. The primary aim of their mobilization is to exert pressure on the state government to fulfil the long-standing demand for reservation for the Maratha community, both in jobs and education, under the OBC quota.Maratha Reservation: Ultimatum from Mumbais doorstepSpeaking from Vashi in Navi Mumbai, Jarange Patil delivered a clear ultimatum to the Maharashtra government. He emphasised that if an ordinance addressing the Maratha reservation issue is not enacted by Saturday, he and his supporters will march to Azad Maidan in Mumbai, refusing to back down thereafter.Visuals of Maratha march that halted at Vashi in Navi Mumbai. The visuals are taken by drone. Maratha march will move to Mumbai to press their reservations demands. Maratha quota leader Manoj Jarange Patil expressed unhappiness over Govts lacklustre approach 4 reservation. pic.twitter.com/uquaWIiN1k— Sudhir Suryawanshi (@ss_suryawanshi) January 26, 2024Maratha Reservation: New demands by Jarange PatilIn addition to the reservation demand, Manoj Jarange Patil reiterated his call for the Maharashtra government to revise its free education policy. He urged for comprehensive coverage of all Marathas under the policy until the community secures full reservation benefits.Jarange stressed the importance of inclusive education, advocating for free education from kindergarten to post-graduation for all Marathas. He specifically sought clarification on the 37 lakh Kunbi certificates issued by the state government, pushing for Kunbi status to be extended to all Marathas.Maratha Reservation: Governments responseDespite efforts to dissuade Patil from marching to Mumbai, including delegations for dialogue, the government has yet to meet his demands. While state education minister Deepak Kesarkar claimed earlier in the day that Patils demands had been accepted, no concrete action has been taken as per Patils ultimatum.The unfolding events reflect the persistence of Maratha activists in their pursuit of equitable representation and opportunities within the state.
