Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange warned that if there is a betrayal on reservation, the ruling parties will face defeat in the elections. The movement will continue and the Maratha community will be included in the OBC category.
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: The prominent leader of the Maratha Reservation movement, Manoj Jarange, clarified on Thursday that if the Maratha community faces any kind of betrayal on the issue of reservation, they will send a b message to the ruling parties in the upcoming elections. Manoj Jarange stated that his movement is for the Maratha community across the state and aims to include all members of the community in the OBC (Other Backward Classes) category.
Speaking to journalists, Manoj Jarange said that after his five-day hunger strike ended, he was admitted to a private hospital in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. He said that Marathas from the Konkan region have not yet received the benefits of reservation and it should be implemented soon.
Action by the Maharashtra Government
The Maharashtra government had formed a committee on Tuesday for the Maratha community, which will issue Kunbi Caste Certificates to those who possess historical evidence. Following this announcement, Manoj Jarange ended his hunger strike. He said that if the Gazettes of Hyderabad and Satara are not implemented within a month, the Maratha community will demonstrate its power in the elections and defeat the ruling parties.
Jarange also stated that his movement is not limited to the Konkan region but is for Marathas across the state. He said that if reservation benefits are not provided, future generations will have to bear the consequences.
Objective of the Movement
Manoj Jarange explained that the objective of his movement is not merely political or personal. He believes that Marathas from the Konkan region should immediately receive the benefits of reservation in education and government jobs. He urged people to raise their voice for their rights instead of listening to others. Jarange warned that if action is not taken now, it will pose a threat to the future of the community.
Cabinet Sub-Committee and OBC Benefits
Journalists questioned Manoj Jarange about the formation of the Cabinet Sub-Committee. Jarange replied that he has no objection to it. He said that if it benefits OBCs, he would be happy. He suggested that if the government is forming a sub-committee for OBCs, it should also form sub-committees for Dalits, Muslims, tribals, and farmers, so that all sections of society can benefit.
Chhagan Bhujbal's Displeasure
The issue of Maratha Reservation remains contentious. Maharashtra Minister and prominent OBC leader Chhagan Bhujbal did not attend the cabinet meeting and expressed displeasure over the government order related to Kunbi caste certificates. He indicated that he is considering a legal challenge to this order. This clearly shows that the debate surrounding Maratha reservation continues at both political and social levels.
