Mumbai, Sep 15 (IANS) Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday said that the Maharashtra government has maintained a positive stance on the legitimate demands of the Maratha community from the beginning, ensuring that delivering justice to them will not cause injustice to the OBC or any other community.
Addressing reporters, DCM Shinde highlighted that the Chief Minister, cabinet ministers, district collectors, police superintendents, and official representatives are in continuous dialogue with Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil. Noting that certain matters remain sub judice, he affirmed that the government is fully prepared for talks to resolve these issues within the legal and constitutional framework.
Recalling the reservation history, he noted that the decision to grant reservation to the Maratha community was first taken in 2014 under then-Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, which was later upheld at 12% in education and 13% in jobs through judicial processes. However, following a change in government, the reservation could not be sustained. Upon returning to power, the government honoured its pledge—sworn in the name of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj—by convening a special legislative session to grant a 10% reservation to the Maratha community, which students and youth are actively benefiting from today.
The Deputy CM also pointed to the government’s firm stance regarding 5,300 candidates whose appointments were stalled due to judicial stays, stating he was ready to face any action if it guaranteed employment to the affected youth.
He outlined several supporting measures implemented by the state, including increasing the loan limit of the Annasaheb Patil Economic Development Corporation, building hostels, and providing scholarships for overseas education and setting up the Justice Shinde Committee to issue certificates to individuals with verified Kunbi records, which has already benefited lakhs of citizens.
“The government has done everything possible within legal and constitutional parameters for the Maratha community. With certain matters pending in court, if the government moves four steps forward, protesters should also adopt a positive stance,” DCM Shinde said. He emphasised prioritising the education and employment of underprivileged youth while cautioning against political opportunism behind the agitation.
Recalling previous orderly demonstrations by the Maratha community, DCM Shinde appealed to organisers to ensure that the upcoming Ganeshotsav celebrations are not disrupted. Noting that lakhs of devotees visit Mumbai from across India and abroad, he urged everyone to respect the convenience of citizens and devotees alike, assuring that the government and police machinery are taking all necessary precautions.
Addressing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), DCM Shinde reiterated the Mahayuti government’s alignment with Balasaheb Thackeray’s vision of ‘One Nation, One Law, and Equal Justice for All.’
Citing recent statements by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, he confirmed that the Maharashtra government holds a positive outlook on the UCC and will make a decisive move at an appropriate time.
–IANS
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