Maratha quota needs legal backing, not just Chhatrapati family’s signature: Maha Minister

Satara, Sep 14 (IANS) Maharashtra Public Works Minister and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s descendant Shivendrasinhraje Bhosale on Monday said the issue of Maratha reservation cannot be resolved merely through the signature of the Chhatrapati family. For this, establishing a legal framework, undergoing judicial processes, and fulfilling administrative requirements are essential.

He also appealed to Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil to cooperate with the ongoing legal process for reservation.

Speaking to the media, Minister Bhosale said that the state government is very much positive about granting reservation to the Maratha community. However, rather than making a rushed, temporary decision that deceives the community, it is crucial to secure a legally robust reservation that will stand up in court.

He emphasised that without compiling all the necessary evidence and completing the required administrative procedures, the reservation will not be sustainable in the long run.

“This entire process will have to go through the work of the Justice Shinde Committee, guidance from retired judges, and judicial scrutiny. One must understand the reality that this matter will not be solved overnight just because someone from the Chhatrapati family signs on it,” he remarked.

While appealing to Jarange Patil, who has been continuously fighting for Maratha reservation, Minister Bhosale said that the government is making every effort to ensure the reservation holds up legally. He urged protesters to exercise patience and extend administrative support to the ongoing legal process so that the Maratha community receives sustainable reservation as a matter of right.

Minister’s statement comes after Jarange Patil announced indefinite hunger strike demanding Maratha quota from September 19 in Mumbai. Refusing to bow down, Jarange Patil called upon the community to stand firm.

“We cannot let the Maratha community lose. Wherever my body falls, it falls. But Marathas must fight with such pride that future generations hold their heads high, saying that he died but never backed down. I don’t want to rot and die; I want to die giving rights to my community. We must not let the dignity of the community slip even by an inch,” he declared.

Warning the community to stay vigilant, Jarange Patil targeted Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, alleging a political strategy to suppress the agitation.

“We have to counter Devendra Fadnavis’s moves step for step. Their strategy has been to use the cover of deities to defame the Maratha movement, instigate riots through infiltrators, and then use police force to crush the protest. Marathas do not lack leaders. If not one leader, there will be another. Vote for whoever gives us reservation — your personal preference for a party or leader is useless if they do not secure your children’s future,” he remarked.

He added that the 5.5 crore working-class Marathas could block Mumbai at any moment, contrasting them with political and wealthy elites who make up a small fraction of the population.

–IANS

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