Maharashtra Update: Manoj Jarange Patil, an activist advocating for Maratha reservation, has declared a 'Rasta Roko' protest across the state on March 3. Patil aims to push for the implementation of the 'Sage Soyare' ordinance notification.
On Wednesday, activist Manoj Jarange expressed doubts about the legality of the bill granting 10% reservation to the Maratha community. He continues to demand that the Maharashtra government's draft notification regarding 'blood relatives' of Kunbi Marathas be made into law.
Although the Maharashtra legislature unanimously passed a bill for 10% reservation for Marathas in education and government jobs under a separate category, Patil insists on quota under the OBC category.
The bill argues that placing the Maratha community in the OBC category would be unjust, considering the existing reservations for various castes and groups amounting to 52%.
According to the recent draft notification by the state government, if a Maratha individual can prove belonging to the Kunbi caste, their blood relatives would also be recognized as Kunbi, entitling them to OBC benefits.
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde informed the legislative assembly that 6 lakh objections have been received regarding the draft notification for granting certificates to the extended blood relatives of Kunbi Marathas.
Patil criticized the government for issuing a draft notification earlier this month without implementing it or discussing it during the special session. He urged CM Shinde to acknowledge the incomplete promise of reservation and address the obstacles in implementing quota for Maratha relatives.
Patil believes that the government may regret the decision for 10% reservation as it hasn't garnered celebration among the Maratha community, suspecting it won't pass legal scrutiny.
A meeting among Maratha community members will be held in Antarwali Sarati village to decide further actions. Patil also mentioned continuing his medical treatment as directed by the Bombay High Court.
CM Shinde defended the bill by citing other states with reservation percentages exceeding 50%, emphasizing the session's purpose to support the Maratha community.