No breakthrough emerged on Saturday as talks between Maratha quota leader Manoj Jarange and a government-appointed delegation ended inconclusively in Mumbai. Jarange reaffirmed his commitment to continue his hunger strike at Azad Maidan, demanding a 10 per cent reservation for Marathas under the OBC category.
The delegation, sent by the state government, included former Justice Sandeep Shinde, who heads a committee tasked with expediting the reservation process. Jarange criticised Shinde’s involvement, asserting, "It is not the job of Justice Shinde to issue a Government Resolution (GR) announcing grant of reservation to Marathas."
Thousands of Maratha supporters had gathered at Azad Maidan to back the protest, which began on Friday. Jarange emphasised that the community seeks recognition under the Kunbi category, making them eligible for reservation in government jobs and education. "Marathas in Marathwada must be declared as Kunbis and given reservation. The Hyderabad and Satara gazettes must be made into law for this," he said.
Justice Shinde clarified that issuing such a report was not within his authority. "Caste certificate is given to individuals and not the entire community," he added.
Also read: Maratha quota issue: Raut says Fadnavis must talk to Jarange
Following the session, Jarange accused Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of insulting the community by sending Shinde. "It is not Justice Shinde's job to issue GR declaring Marathas and Kunbis as the same. It is an insult of the government, Raj Bhavan and state to send Justice Shinde here," he said.
State minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil countered that complaints about amenities and other issues had been raised in the cabinet sub-committee and were being addressed. Jarange and his supporters had battled overnight rain and muddy conditions, highlighting a shortage of basic facilities including water and sanitation.
“The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has an administrator, and under the influence of the chief minister, he has stopped food and water for protesters. We won't forget this. You have closed public toilets and hotels. Let's see how many days you harass poor Marathas,” Jarange charged.
The BMC responded on Saturday afternoon, stating that two truckloads of gravel had been spread at Azad Maidan, sanitation work was ongoing, and a medical help desk had been set up. "Regular cleaning is being carried out at the protest site," the BMC said.
Jarange maintained that the protest is the community's "final fight" to secure reservation and warned the government against testing their patience.
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