Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], September 3 (ANI): Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC on Tuesday welcomed the decision of Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil to end his protest, hailing it as a victory for the Mahayuti government led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
According to Shaina NC, the government has been committed to fulfilling the demands of the Maratha community, particularly regarding reservation.
She criticised the opposition for playing vote bank politics, suggesting that the Mahayuti government's actions demonstrate its genuine commitment to the Maratha community's welfare.
"The Mahayuti government has always been committed to the Kunbis...The Marathas have long demanded this particular reservation for them...Our government has ensured that we will fulfil all commitments within three months. The caste certificates will be issued by the village authorities..The commitment of Eknath Shinde and Devendra Fadnavis is well known to all...This is an absolute full stop for the opposition that only plays vote bank politics," Shaina told ANI.
Manoj Jarange Patil's protest was centred around the Maratha community's demand for reservation. The community has been seeking recognition and benefits through the Kunbi certificate, which would enable them to access quotas and other benefits.
Jarange ended his indefinite fast at Azad Maidan in Mumbai on Tuesday.
"Maratha vijay zala aj vijay zala, sukhi zala (Marathas have emerged victorious today and we are happy)", Jarange said as he was being carried from his protest stage to the ambulance.
Jarange said, "Today is Diwali for us, as we have got what we wanted." Protesters performed Ganpati Aarti as a gesture of thanks to God; Jarange announced that after the Aarti, the protest would be formally over.
Cabinet subcommittee head Radhakrishna Vikhepatil thanked Jarange for accepting the government's proposal and breaking his fast by drinking juice, as he and his supporters looked visibly happy.
In a post on X, Vikhepatil had informed of the discussion of the Maharashtra State Cabinet Subcommittee regarding the demands raised by Jarange Patil, and stated that the government is taking "positive steps for the rightful demands of the Maratha community".
The post read, "At the meeting of the Maharashtra State Cabinet Subcommittee, a detailed discussion was held regarding the demands raised in the agitation led by Mr. Manoj Jarange Patil. The government is taking positive steps for the rightful demands of the Maratha community, and deliberations were held on the decision-making process in this regard".
Earlier, the Bombay High Court adjourned the Maratha quota matter on Wednesday, stating that it expects some development by then.
Advocate Satish Maneshinde, representing Jarange Patil, has issued a statement appealing to his supporters not to create any traffic problems and not to gather in numbers exceeding 5,000. (ANI)
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