Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil on Friday urged Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to earnestly address the reservation issue.
Announcing his departure from his native Antarwali Sarati village in Jalna at 9 a.m. on Saturday to lead a protest march to Mumbai, for the demand to provide reservation to his community, he said the resolution of the Maratha reservation matter lies with Mr. Fadnavis. “He should come forward and resolve the matter with his heart and mind,” the activist said.
He reiterated his demand for kunbi caste certificates for 54 lakh Marathas and questioned the progress of the government-appointed committee since its commencement on December 23 last year.
Mr. Jarange-Patil accused State minister and senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Girish Mahajan of making false promises and betraying the Maratha community, questioning the latter’s whereabouts after promising resolution within 30 days.
Declaring his march as the “final struggle”, the pro-quota activist called on the entire Maratha community to gather in Mumbai on January 26 to demonstrate their unity, and express a willingness to face any legal or police consequences without fear.
Further, he also alleged that the administration has not diligently followed government orders in issuing caste certificates to Marathas.