Maratha Reservation Activist, Jarange Patil, Issues Ultimatum to Government: Azad Maidan Protest Threatened Tomorrow

Navi Mumbai, 26th January 2024: Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil conveyed a stern message to the Maharashtra state government today at Chhatrapati Shivaji Chowk in Vashi. Speaking to supporters at 3:15 pm following discussions with government representatives, Patil laid out the ultimatum.

Expressing concerns over the government’s handling of Maratha reservation records, Patil emphasized the need for transparency. “The government claims to have records for 54 lakh Marathas, but how can one verify this? Details should be made public at the Gram Panchayat level. Every eligible individual should receive a certificate, benefiting at least two crore Marathas. The government mentions distributing 37 lakh certificates out of 54 lakh, but we seek details of the recipients,” Patil asserted.

Addressing the continuity of the Shinde committee, tasked with determining the methodology for issuing Other Backward Class (OBC) certificates to Marathas, Patil advocated for its preservation. “The committee’s extension for two months has been granted to establish Marathas as Kunbi OBCs. Furthermore, we demand the withdrawal of cases against protesters advocating for Maratha reservation. Until the Supreme Court reaches a decision, free education from KG to PG should be provided for all Maratha boys and girls. Additionally, government recruitment should not fill positions designated for the Maratha community,” he demanded.

The activist concluded by setting a deadline for the government to issue a resolution. “We will wait here tonight, and a decision regarding a move to Azad Maidan in Mumbai will be made tomorrow at noon,” Patil declared.

Contrary to Patil’s stance, Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar asserted that all of Patil’s demands had been accepted. Kesarkar commended Patil’s sensitivity towards society and assured that the government would implement the accepted demands. According to Kesarkar, “The state government has issued 37 lakh Kunbi caste certificates, and more than 5 million certificates will be issued as part of the new process.”