Daijiworld Media Network- Nagpur
Nagpur, Aug 28: The Maharashtra government on Wednesday reiterated that reservation for the Maratha community will be granted without disturbing the quota for Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said.
Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, Bawankule stressed that the government is committed to ensuring justice for Marathas while safeguarding the existing OBC quota. His remarks came amid the ongoing agitation by Maratha activist Manoj Jarange, who has demanded 10 per cent reservation under the OBC category.
“The government’s stand is clear – Marathas will get reservation without affecting OBCs. Work is progressing in that direction,” Bawankule stated.
The minister strongly objected to what he termed “insulting” remarks by Jarange against Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. “Maharashtra will not tolerate such insult. People of the state will ensure he is taught a lesson,” he warned.
While maintaining that everyone has the right to protest, Bawankule said the ongoing agitation could have been scheduled after the Ganesh festival. “This is the biggest Hindu festival, and care must be taken that it is not marred. Political parties supporting the agitation should have kept this in mind,” he added.
Jarange began his march to Mumbai on Wednesday with supporters, announcing that he would launch a fresh hunger strike from August 29 to press his demand.
On crop losses due to excessive rainfall, Bawankule informed that damage assessment reports have been completed and uploaded, and relief measures would be implemented soon. “The chief minister has instructed guardian ministers to closely monitor the situation in their respective districts,” he said.
Meanwhile, commenting on MNS chief Raj Thackeray hosting his cousin Uddhav Thackeray on the first day of Ganesh festival, Bawankule clarified it was a family occasion and should not be viewed politically.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also appealed to Jarange to ensure that the agitation does not cause inconvenience to Ganesh devotees. “Issues can be resolved through dialogue. Maharashtra has seen many big protests, but they never inconvenienced others,” Shinde said.