Maratha reservation activists across Maharashtra erupted in celebration after Manoj Jarange Patil, the leader of the protest, called off the quota stir. This decision came after the Maharashtra government accepted their demands. Patil, who began a hunger strike on Friday, will end his fast today in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The ceremony will include a floral tribute to the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, followed by Patil addressing the gathered crowd.
Expressing his satisfaction with the government’s response, Patil stated, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has done a good job. Our protest is now over. Our request has been accepted. We will accept the letter from him. I will drink juice at the hands of the Chief Minister. He also confirmed that Kunbi certificates would be provided to all 54 lakh individuals whose data has been identified so far.
Prior to this announcement, Patil had warned the state government that protestors would march towards Mumbai on Saturday morning if their demands were not met. He also urged the Maharashtra government to withdraw all police cases related to the demand for Maratha reservations in the state.
In response to the development, Maharashtra Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha stated, A movement that was going on in Maharashtra for the Maratha reservation under the leadership of Manoj Jarange Patil has reached a solution. The ordinance that was passed has the solution to all the problems. Manoj Jarange Patil has announced that since the solution has been received, there is no need to continue the protests. CM Eknath Shinde will end Manoj Jarange Patil’s fast with juice. The movement has reached a solution.
It is important to note that on May 5, 2021, the Supreme Court invalidated reservations for the Maratha community in colleges, higher educational institutions, and jobs, citing the absence of valid grounds to exceed the 50% reservation limit while granting Maratha reservations.
The acceptance of the Maratha reservation activists’ demands by the Maharashtra government brings an end to the recent protests and provides a resolution to the long-standing issue of reservations in the state. The commemorations following Patil’s announcement signify the triumph of their collective struggle.
