Mumbai: As the Maratha quota stir turned violent on Wednesday morning, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde called an all-party meeting to discuss the issue. After the key meeting, the Maharashtra CM assured that the government was in favour of reservation. The CM also appealed for peace in the state and requested Manoj Jarange Patil, who is at the helm of the Martha quota stir, to withdraw his fast.
After the all-party meeting, CM Eknath Shinde appealed for peace and assured that everybody was unanimous in giving reservations to the Maratha community.
“Everyone is unanimous about giving reservation to the Maratha community. Lasting reservation can be given only after fulfilling its legal aspects and all the parties in the state are ready to work together in this regard. Legal action should be taken as soon as possible. However, it is necessary to take into account the fact that it is necessary to give it the necessary time. The incidents of violence that have happened and are happening in the state are inappropriate and this is bringing disrepute to the movement. We strongly disapprove of these incidents. An appeal is being made that no one should take up the law in the state, peace and law and order should be maintained in the state. In addition to all these efforts, Mr. Manoj Jarange Patil is also requested to cooperate and withdraw his fast,” the Maharashtra CM wrote on X.
Meanwhile, security was beefed up outside Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s house as the quota row intensified across Maharashtra. Deputy CM Devendra Fadanavis and NCP Chief Sharad Pawar were also at this meeting. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut claimed Uddhav Thackeray was not invited to this key meeting.
Keeping the Maratha quota stir in mind, security has been increased around key political figures’ residences, including Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s official residence at Mantralya. Internet services in Jalna district have been temporarily suspended to prevent the spread of rumours and unrest.
In one incident, Maratha reservation supporters vandalised the car of NCP leader Hasan Mushrif, resulting in the detention of suspects. Additionally, Shiv Sena leader Vijay Devane and his supporters were stopped by Belagavi Police at the Karnataka-Maharashtra border as they attempted to join Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti protesters.
Curfew Imposed In Beed
Curfew remains in effect in Beed as a precautionary measure. There is no decision yet on curfew relaxation or the restoration of internet services, according to police officials. Protesters have organised Rasta Roko rallies, blocking roads and highways in the Nanded district.
In response to the ongoing unrest, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has called for an all-party meeting, scheduled for November 1, 2023. Activist Manoj Jarange, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike for Maratha quota rights, emphasized that the community seeks a comprehensive solution and called for a special legislative session to address the issue.
Opposition leaders have echoed the demand for a special session of the legislative assembly to find a resolution. The Maharashtra Cabinet has recommended that the state’s Backward Commission conduct a survey and gather data related to the Maratha quota issue, with the intention of filing a petition with the Supreme Court for the community’s reservation.
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