Maharashtra's Maratha Quota Debate: Government and Activist Talks Set to Continue

Maharashtra minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil has indicated the state government's willingness to negotiate with activist Manoj Jarange regarding the Maratha quota. Although talks could happen in Mumbai soon, the minister criticized the opposition for previous failures to protect the quota, now under Supreme Court scrutiny.

In the ongoing political saga surrounding the Maratha quota in Maharashtra, minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil voiced the state's readiness to engage in dialogue with activist Manoj Jarange. The minister criticized the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi for jeopardizing the Maratha quota during its tenure.

Vikhe Patil emphasized openness to discuss the matter with Jarange in Mumbai, contingent on Jarange's willingness to proceed to the state capital for talks. The state plans to consult sub-committee members for a decision on further dialogue.

Activist Jarange, demanding a 10% quota for Marathas under the OBC category, plans to begin an indefinite fast in Mumbai. Meanwhile, Vikhe Patil noted that past communication issues with Jarange's associates and political responsibility for the quota's status lie with prior governance.

(With inputs from agencies.)