Will a Three-Member Panel Resolve Talks with Pro-Maratha Quota Activist Jarange-Patil?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Three-member panel will discuss Maratha reservation demands.
- Indefinite hunger strike by activist Manoj Jarange-Patil continues.
- Focus on expediting OBC reservation benefits for Marathas.
- Government encourages positive dialogue to resolve tensions.
- Legal issues regarding reservation are being managed by the Cabinet committee.
Mumbai, Aug 30 (NationPress) Maharashtra Water Resources Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil revealed on Saturday that a three-member panel is set to visit Azad Maidan to engage in discussions with pro-Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil, who is currently on an indefinite hunger strike.
The panel is made up of Justice (retired) Sandeep Shinde, the Konkan Divisional Commissioner, and the General Administration Department secretary.
This announcement by Vikhe-Patil comes as Jarange-Patil's protest marks its second day.
Despite police extending permission for his protest until Saturday evening, Jarange-Patil remains resolute in his decision to stay in Mumbai until his demands for Maratha reservation are fulfilled.
Vikhe-Patil stated to reporters, "All sub-committee members convened today to discuss Jarange-Patil’s demands concerning the current status of Maratha reservation. We are optimistic. It is the government's responsibility to resolve this matter, hence Justice Shinde, the Divisional Commissioner of Konkan, and our department secretary will engage in discussions. Should any further concerns arise, we will reconvene for more talks."
The committee led by Justice Shinde has recently received an extension to expedite the process of granting OBC reservation benefits to the Maratha community through Kunbi certificates.
The cabinet sub-committee's initiative to send a delegation to converse with Jarange-Patil aims to break the existing deadlock.
Previously, Vikhe-Patil emphasized that mere criticism of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will not resolve the reservation issue.
"The leaders of Maha Vikas Aghadi should take responsibility for the lack of reservation for the Maratha community instead of merely advising the government," he remarked.
The Cabinet committee is tasked with overseeing state efforts for the Maratha community, including ongoing legal matters related to their reservation from the OBC category.
Additionally, it coordinates with the government-appointed committee led by Justice Sandeep Shinde (Retd) concerning OBC certificates and engages with various groups advocating for reservation.
The Cabinet sub-committee also manages legal matters and advises a team of lawyers regarding cases in the Bombay High Court and the Supreme Court.