Quota Leader Demands Clarity on Maratha Reservation

Manoj Jarange, a quota leader, demanded the BJP clarify its stance on granting the Maratha community reservation under the OBC category in Maharashtra. Jarange, observing an indefinite hunger strike, accused the BJP of avoiding responsibility and exploiting the Maratha community for votes, while criticizing Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis and others.

Quota leader Manoj Jarange on Monday demanded that the ruling BJP clarify whether the Maratha community will be granted reservation under the OBC category in Maharashtra.

Addressing reporters at his indefinite hunger strike site in Jalna district, which began on July 20, Jarange accused the BJP of shifting responsibility to opposition parties regarding the Maratha quota issue. He is pressing for the implementation of a draft notification recognizing Kunbis as blood relatives of Marathas.

Jarange criticized Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for asking opposition parties to clarify their stance on the Maratha quota, questioning the government's commitment to resolving the issue. Jarange also accused the state government of exploiting the Maratha community as a 'vote bank' without addressing their concerns. He condemned the government's handling of the protests, stating they have been in power for more than two years but have yet to earmark the quota.

Responding to BJP MLC Prasad Lad's appeal, Jarange asserted he is not interested in entering politics, but might have to if the Maratha community doesn't get the reservation. He also accused Maharashtra minister Chhagan Bhujbal of inciting the OBC community and hinted at a possible protest in Nashik's Yeola constituency, represented by Bhujbal.