The state government has convened a one-day Special Session of Maharashtra Legislature on Tuesday (February 20) which could be game-changer for the long-pending issue of giving reservation to the Maratha community, officials said here on Monday.
The MahaYuti government Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy CMs Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar have assured several times in the past -- and reiterated on Monday in Pune -- that they are committed to give quotas to the Marathas without affecting the reservation of the Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
The Special Session of Legislature comes barely three days after the Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission (MSBCC) Chairman, retired Justice Sunil Shukre submitted its comprehensive report ascertaining the backwardness of the Marathas, the CM on Friday (February 16).
Shinde will table the report -- which surveyed the social, economic and educational backwardness of the Marathas -- before the state cabinet, and then it will be debated in the Legislature.
The big challenge for the government is to fulfil its promises – of giving the Maratha quotas without disturbing the existing OBCs reservation -- making it a tricky proposition, political sources said.
Shivba Sanghatana leader Manoj Jarange-Patil, who is on the 10th day of his indefinite hunger strike, said today (Monday) that what the community desires is "actual quotas and not just empty assurances" including the demand of 'Sage-Soyare' (family bloodline).
"Tomorrow is the last day of the ultimatum… we shall see the outcome in the Special Session of Legislature before deciding our next course of action," warned Jarange-Patil at his native village, Antaravali-Sarati in Jalna district.
The MSBCC's latest survey covered over 2.25 crore families, making it the biggest exercise of its kind anywhere in the country, and involved between three-four lakh officials toiling across the state.
Simultaneously, the state government went on a deep dive search for 'Kunbi-Maratha' and 'Maratha-Kunbi' records and according to Jarange-Patil, more than 57 lakh records have been found so far, in the past nearly three months, kindling hope among the Marathas.
Despite the CM's assurances, currently, all major OBC groups are opposed to including the Marathas in the OBCs quotas, which a MahaYuti Minister Chhagan Bhujbal has termed as systematic 'Kunbi-isation' of the Maratha community and giving them a backdoor entry to OBC reservation.
Tripura's unemployment ratio less than national average, claims CM Saha
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha said on Sunday that the state's unemployment percentage is less than the national average and the government is trying hard to further improve it.
25 people held or quizzed by police in 3 NE states for 'seditious' comments on Pahalgam terror attack
At least 25 persons were arrested or questioned by the police in three northeastern states - Assam, Tripura and Meghalaya -- for making controversial comments on social media after the Pahalgam terror attack, which left 26 dead, officials said on Sunday.
Four held in Tripura for social media posts relating to Pahalgam terror attack
Police arrested four people including two retired teachers in the past 24 hours from Tripura’s three districts for making controversial posts on social media relating to the Pahalgam terror attack, officials said on Saturday.
Indian Army responds firmly to ceasefire violations by Pakistani troops along LoC
In the wake of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Pakistan has resorted to unprovoked ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC). Over the past two days, Pakistani military posts have been targeting Indian positions with small-arms fire. The Indian Army has given a strong and appropriate response to these provocations, official sources said.
US religious freedom body finds conditions for Pakistan minorities 'worsening', urges strong action
Finding "a worsening religious and political climate of fear, intolerance, and violence" for minorities in Pakistan, the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has asked President Donald Trump's administration to take strong measures against the Islamic Republic.
Residences of LeT commanders, Pahalgam attack suspects demolished across Kashmir
Security forces have intensified their crackdown on Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operatives and suspects linked to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives on April 22.
India, Pakistan will 'get it figured out,' says Trump on border tensions
US President Donald Trump refused to be drawn into India-Pakistan border tensions in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist attack, stating that the two countries will "get it figured out one way or the other."
CM stresses scientific drain construction to combat flood
Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha today emphasized the need to construct drains in a scientific manner to quickly drain the water accumulated in the city during heavy rains.