Is it Really a Golden Day for Maharashtra?
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Synopsis
Manoj Jarange-Patil's five-day fast ends triumphantly as the Maharashtra government agrees to key demands for the Maratha community. His declaration of victory resonates widely, marking a pivotal moment for the region. Discover what this means for Maharashtra's future.
Key Takeaways
- Manoj Jarange-Patil ends his fast after government agreement.
- Implementation of Hyderabad Gazette confirmed.
- Police cases against protesters will be withdrawn.
- Financial assistance for families of deceased protesters.
- 58 lakh Kunbi records to be registered.
Mumbai, Sep 2 (NationPress) Pro-Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil concluded his indefinite fast on Tuesday after consuming lemon juice, administered by cabinet subcommittee chairman and Water Resources Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil, subsequent to the government meeting his demands.
Jarange-Patil initiated his fast advocating for reservation for the Maratha community from the OBC quota. Before deciding to end his fast, he sought the opinions of his supporters who had gathered in significant numbers at Azad Maidan.
He advised his supporters to exit Mumbai peacefully by 9 PM and mentioned plans to undergo a medical check-up before traveling to Antarwali Saarati.
Expressing his sentiments, he stated, “Today marks a golden day for Marathwada and Western Maharashtra, and indeed for the entire Maharashtra. I have triumphed in Mumbai, and I depart feeling victorious.”
Minister Vikhe-Patil hailed Jarange-Patil as a warrior, assuring that the commitments made by the government would be executed with integrity.
He acknowledged the contributions of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, along with other cabinet members and bureaucrats, in resolving the deadlock.
The government has agreed to Jarange-Patil's demand for implementing the Hyderabad Gazette.
“We formally presented our demands to the government, with the primary issue being the swift enforcement of the Hyderabad Gazette. The government has accepted this. Minister Vikhe-Patil assured that if the protesters agree to this proposal, a government resolution (GR) will follow. This decision allows for investigations and issuance of certificates to Maratha individuals who possess a Kunbi certificate, thereby affirming the immediate execution of the Hyderabad Gazette,” stated Jarange-Patil.
Regarding the implementation of the Satara and Aundh gazettes, he mentioned, “We requested the government to implement the Satara Gazette. The government has agreed to evaluate the implementations of Satara, Pune, and Aundh Gazettes, promising to rectify any legal discrepancies within a month. With this, our demands concerning the Hyderabad and Satara Gazettes have been acknowledged, enabling Kunbi from Marathwada and Western Maharashtra to acquire Maratha certificates and access OBC benefits.”
On the topic of withdrawing police cases against Maratha protesters, Jarange-Patil stated, “We insisted on the withdrawal of cases against Maratha protesters, and the state government has agreed. If any remain, the cabinet subcommittee is committed to approaching the court for their withdrawal. The government has pledged to issue a resolution to withdraw all cases against protesters by the end of September.”
Addressing the need for jobs for families of those who lost their lives during the protests, Jarange-Patil remarked, “We demanded immediate aid and government employment for families of the deceased based on their qualifications. The government has allocated Rs 15 crore for this purpose, which will be transferred to the respective families' accounts within a week.”
Concerning the registration of 58 lakh Kunbi records of Marathas, he mentioned, “We requested that these records be registered in the Gram Panchayat to clarify uncertainties surrounding their registration. The government has agreed to this.”
On the establishment of a genealogy committee and office for the Shinde Committee, Jarange-Patil noted that Minister Vikhe-Patil informed him of the government's decision.
Regarding the issuance of a GR confirming that Maratha-Kunbi are one, he said, “We asked the government to issue a GR stating Maratha-Kunbi are one. The government claims the process is complex and needs a month. I suggested two months to finalize this GR.”
On the need for relative vetting, Jarange-Patil emphasized, “The pressing issue is the scrutiny of relatives. Complaints have been submitted, but only 8 lakh have been processed. The government acknowledges this will take time.”
Point of View
The resolution of Manoj Jarange-Patil's demands signifies not only a victory for the Maratha community but also reflects the government's responsiveness to social justice movements. The negotiations and resultant agreements present an essential step towards addressing long-standing issues of reservation and community rights in Maharashtra. Such developments warrant close attention as they may influence future policymaking and community relations.
NationPress
02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Jarange-Patil's fast?
Manoj Jarange-Patil's fast was pivotal in advocating for Maratha reservation rights, leading to government acceptance of crucial demands.
How will the government implement the Hyderabad Gazette?
The government has committed to implementing the Hyderabad Gazette, allowing Marathas with Kunbi certificates to gain access to OBC benefits.
What provisions are made for families of deceased protesters?
The government has allocated Rs 15 crore for immediate assistance and job placements for the families of those who lost their lives in the protests.
Will police cases against Maratha protesters be withdrawn?
Yes, the government has agreed to withdraw cases against Maratha protesters, with a resolution expected by the end of September.
What are the next steps regarding the Kunbi records?
The government will register 58 lakh Kunbi records of Marathas in the Gram Panchayat to clarify their legal status.
