Maratha Quota Battle Heats Up: Jarange-Patil Demands Immediate GR Based on Existing Records

The battle for Maratha reservation is set to intensify once again, as activist Manoj Jarange-Patil has delivered a stern ultimatum to the Maharashtra government. With a renewed sense of urgency, Jarange-Patil has demanded the immediate issuance of a Government Resolution (GR) on the Maratha quota, firmly asserting that it must be based on existing records rather than embarking on any new, time-consuming surveys.

Jarange-Patil’s message is clear and unwavering: "There is no need to conduct a new survey to implement the Maratha reservation.

The government should immediately issue a GR on the available records," he declared. His insistence stems from the fact that extensive work has already been undertaken, with the Justice Shinde committee identifying 57 lakh applicants whose lineage as Kunbis (falling under the OBC category) has been established through old records.

He stressed that these individuals are simply awaiting their Kunbi certificates, a crucial step towards accessing the reservation.

The activist’s patience appears to have worn thin. In a significant escalation of his protest, Jarange-Patil announced his intention to commence an indefinite hunger strike from June 13 if the GR is not issued forthwith.

This isn't his only plan of action; he also revealed plans for a formidable "Shiv Swarajya Aakrosh" rally. This awareness drive will traverse the length and breadth of Maharashtra, aiming to galvanize support and apply immense public pressure on the state government.

Accusations of political maneuvering are also flying thick and fast.

Jarange-Patil openly criticized the government, alleging that they are deliberately employing delaying tactics, strategically attempting to stretch out the process until the upcoming assembly elections. He pointed out that while the government, during a special assembly session, had seemingly accepted the Maratha community's demands for a quota and even enacted a law, the real hurdle lies in the actual implementation – which hinges on the much-awaited GR.

The political rhetoric has grown particularly sharp.

Jarange-Patil directly accused Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of conspiring against both him and the Maratha community. This grave allegation was swiftly refuted by Fadnavis, who dismissed it as baseless. Despite the denials, the activist remains steadfast in his belief that the government is not genuinely committed to fulfilling its promises without significant public pressure.

As the deadline approaches, all eyes are on the Maharashtra government.

The ball is firmly in their court to address Jarange-Patil's demands and avoid a potentially disruptive indefinite hunger strike and a widespread public agitation across the state. The fate of the Maratha quota, and indeed the political landscape of Maharashtra, hangs in the balance as this critical issue continues to unfold.