Maharashtra CM Urges Maratha Activist to Avoid Festival Disruptions

Mumbai, Aug 26 (PTI) - Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has conveyed optimism that Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange will avoid actions that could disrupt Ganesh festival celebrations in Mumbai. Jarange has issued an ultimatum to the Maharashtra government, demanding a 10 percent quota for the Maratha community under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) grouping by Tuesday, August 26. If unmet, he warns of protests.

According to Jarange, if the demand is not met, a march to Mumbai will begin on August 27, coinciding with Ganesh Chaturthi, and he plans to start an indefinite hunger strike on August 29. "Those who see themselves as true followers of the Maratha king, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, will respect Ganesh Chaturthi, a significant Hindu festival," Fadnavis remarked to journalists on Monday evening.

The Chief Minister emphasized the democratic right to protest and put forth demands. "It's known that we've worked to uplift the Maratha community, offering a 10 percent quota and nurturing 1.5 lakh businesspersons within the community," he stated. Last year, the state government announced a 10 percent reservation for the Marathas under a separate category.

Jarange has been advocating for all Marathas to be identified as Kunbis, an agrarian caste listed under the OBC category, thus eligible for educational and job reservations. Responding to Jarange's claim about preventing Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde from supporting Marathas, Fadnavis said, "Shinde didn't claim this... Despite attempts to divide us, we stand united." When queried about criticisms from Jarange, Fadnavis mentioned that a true follower of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj would refrain from demeaning language or disrespecting women.

"I am blessed by my mother, our Goddesses, and the people of Maharashtra," he imparted. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused Jarange of making derogatory remarks about Fadnavis's mother, an allegation Jarange denies. Deputy CM Shinde appealed to Jarange on Monday to reconsider his protest plans during Ganesh festival, emphasizing the right to protest should not inconvenience others.

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