Isn't it ironic that BJP questions Sharad Pawar over Maratha quota despite their majority?

Pune, Sep 1 (NationPress) NCP (SP) Working President and MP, Supriya Sule, criticized the BJP on Monday, stating that despite their overwhelming majority both in Maharashtra and at the national level, they are questioning former Union Minister Sharad Pawar regarding the Maratha reservation issue.

“I find it amusing that on one hand, they claim the NCP(SP) is finished. They insist we are a minor party, yet when such a significant movement arises, Sharad Pawar remains at the forefront. The Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis boasts 250 MLAs. It's astonishing that a party with three hundred MPs is looking to Sharad Pawar for guidance,” she remarked, targeting the BJP for constantly attributing blame to NCP(SP) leader Sharad Pawar over the reservation matter.

“It’s laughable that all expectations are pinned on Sharad Pawar. The government is accountable for the current unrest. While the agitation is manageable, I earnestly urge the government to convene an all-party meeting to deliberate on this matter. If a decision is to be made, then I implore the Cabinet to act swiftly. I request the Chief Minister to summon a legislative session and secure approval within 24 hours,” she urged.

Supriya Sule emphasized, “For eleven uninterrupted years, their government has been in power, from local bodies to New Delhi. Back in 2018, Devendra Fadnavis made an extensive appeal for reservation in the Legislative Assembly, articulating how it could be implemented. Now he holds power. I call upon the Chief Minister and both Deputy Chief Ministers to advance the proposals they presented in the Legislative Assembly in 2018.”

Her remarks followed an incident where a group of Maratha activists surrounded her after she exited Azad Maidan post a meeting with pro-Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil, who has initiated an indefinite fast advocating for Maratha community reservation from the OBC quota.

The Maratha activists questioned why Sharad Pawar had not provided reservation to their community during his four terms as chief minister.

Sule downplayed the incident, stating, “I have a moral duty as a public representative. I must acknowledge everyone’s sentiments. If a child is in pain, it’s my duty to listen, understand, and seek a resolution. There wasn’t much that transpired there.”

“When I visited yesterday, Jarange-Patil was quite fatigued and resting. We had a brief conversation regarding his health and consulted with his doctor. I urge the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation and the Maharashtra government to focus on improving cleanliness in the Azad Maidan area,” she added.

She also noted that heavy rains had caused power outages in some areas, causing difficulties for the protesters. She urged the administration to promptly announce the logistics support available to the protestors.

“If the Home department has pertinent information, please share it. The government has faltered; everyone must take accountability. Is the government ensuring law and order? No one from the government has arrived yet, nor has any police presence been witnessed. The conditions are unsanitary, and while the government may not be listening, certain officials are taking action. If Mumbaikars are feeling held captive, then we need to engage in dialogue,” she stated.

Referring to NCP minister and Samata Parishad leader Chhagan Bhujbal’s initiative to convene a meeting with OBC leaders, Sule remarked that this was a necessary step to secure justice for the OBC community, attributing it to the government’s shortcomings.