Daijiworld Media Network - Ahilyanagar
Ahilyanagar, Aug 30: NCP-SP chief Sharad Pawar on Saturday called for a national-level resolution to the ongoing reservation issue, asserting that the Union government must step in and consider a constitutional amendment to ensure long-term clarity and fairness across states.
Responding to growing unrest, particularly the renewed agitation led by pro-Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange-Patil, who began an indefinite hunger strike at Mumbai's Azad Maidan on Friday, Pawar stressed that the matter had outgrown state boundaries and demanded Parliamentary action.
“If Tamil Nadu can offer 72% reservation, then there is room for Parliament to amend the Constitution to reflect the realities and needs of different communities,” Pawar stated. “This is not just about Maharashtra. Similar concerns are being raised by farming communities and backward sections in other states.”
He confirmed that his party is already in conversation with Members of Parliament to build consensus for a national policy. “Dialogue is ongoing. MPs like Nilesh Lanke have initiated discussions. If consensus is reached across parties and states, we can push for a constitutional amendment,” he said.
Pawar also acknowledged the growing social divide over reservation. “People distant from agriculture are now seeking quotas. Economic and rural distress is feeding into this demand. This bitterness must be addressed holistically.”
He questioned the current 50% reservation cap, pointing again to Tamil Nadu’s higher quota as a precedent. “We must stop looking at this issue in isolation. A united stand is needed to ensure all voices are heard,” he added.
Meanwhile, Manoj Jarange-Patil intensified his attack on Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, accusing him of ignoring the Maratha community’s plight and resorting to intimidation tactics.
“Hotels are being shut, water cut off – is this how you treat protestors? You are trying to humiliate us. But you still have time to win over the Maratha community by granting reservation. Don’t turn this into a confrontation,” he warned.
He also cautioned the state government against using force. “If you go for a lathi-charge, it will be the worst mistake of your political career. Your actions will have national repercussions, even for leaders like Amit Shah and PM Modi,” he said.
In a direct message to Fadnavis, Jarange-Patil said, “You’re the Chief Minister not just because of Mumbai, but because the entire Maharashtra chose you. Don’t destabilise the state with such moves.”
As tensions rise, both Pawar and Jarange-Patil have made it clear that the resolution to the reservation crisis now lies not just in state capitals but in the halls of Parliament.