Maratha Reservation Activist Rejects 10% Quota, Insists on OBC Inclusion; Read More to Know the Future Decisions by Jarange Patil

Jalna, 21st February 2024: The Maharashtra State Government’s decision to provide a 10% reservation to the Maratha community in jobs and education, separately from the OBC quota, has faced rejection from Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil. Patil stated that the community prefers reservation within the OBC quota and emphasized that the movement would persist until the term ‘Sagesoyre’ (blood relative) is explicitly included in the law.

In a recent meeting, the Maratha community made nine significant decisions outlining the direction of their ongoing movement. These decisions include organizing protests that involve barricading the residences of MPs and MLAs, staging road protests, and initiating fasting protests by elders in the village. The community remains steadfast in their demand for inclusion in the OBC quota and has expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s current approach to the Maratha reservation.

The meeting chaired by Manoj Jarange Patil at Antarwali Sarati resulted in several key decisions:

1. Indefinite Adarsh Rasta Roko (Road Block Movement): If the Sagesoyre (Blood Relatives) Act is not implemented within the next two days, the community will initiate an indefinite roadblock movement in villages from 10:30 am to 01 pm.

2. Restriction on Political Leaders: Political leaders, including MLAs, MPs, and ministers, are prohibited from entering the village and driving in front of farms.

3. Postponement of Elections: The demand is made to postpone elections until the Maratha reservation is granted, allowing adherence to the ideal code of conduct. If elections proceed without reservation, campaigning vehicles will be seized.

4. Fast Unto Death: After February 29th, elderly community members will undertake a fast unto death at Sarati.

5. Response to Threats: In case of any threats from political figures, the Maratha caste is urged to respond appropriately.

6. Statewide Road Block: On March 3rd, one road in each district of Maharashtra will be blocked.

7. Boycott of Political Parties: All Maratha Sarpanchs, Corporators, Panchayat Samiti, Zilla Parishad members, Taluka Presidents, and political persons from all parties are instructed not to support any political party until reservation is granted.

8. Meeting of MLAs and MPs: A meeting of all Maratha current and former MLAs and MPs is scheduled for March 1, 2024, at Antarwali Sarati. Their cars will not be stopped on that day.

9. Decision on Mumbai Visit: Whether to go to Mumbai after March 3, 2024, will be reconsidered in a future meeting.

These decisions reflect the Maratha community’s resolve to press for their demands and ensure that political leaders take their concerns seriously.