Beed meeting on Dec 23 to shape future of Maratha reservation agitation

Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange stated on Sunday that if the state government fails to meet the reservation demands, the community will plan its next steps at a meeting in Beed on December 23. During a meeting in Antarwali Sarati village of Jalna district, Jarange mentioned that Maharashtra Chief Minister Ekanth Shinde is set to make a statement in the assembly on December 18. He claimed that State Minister Uday Samant assured him in the morning that the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Ministers were committed to granting reservation.

The government had requested "one month to pass the act," but if it fails to do so, Jarange stated that the next strategy will be decided on December 23 in Beed. He announced that the agitation would continue if the government doesn't fulfill the demand for reservation. He urged the government to issue Kunbi certificates to Marathas for inclusion in the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category and pass the act accordingly.

Jarange pointed out that the state government has not withdrawn cases against Marathas who participated in the protests for reservation. He also called for a halt in job recruitment until reservations are granted to the Marathas. The activist emphasized that the government should prioritize the appointment of 13,000 Maratha youths selected for various departments. He warned of "consequences" if the government did not stop recruitment until the reservation is implemented.

Manoj Jarange concluded his hunger strike on November 2, giving the ruling dispensation time until December 24 to fulfill the community's demands for reservation in education and government jobs. He urged Marathas not to engage in infighting and to remain united, expressing confidence that the community would soon secure reservations as the fight is at its peak.

In Beed, a meeting is scheduled for December 23 at 1 pm at Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Chowk, Beed Bypass Manjarsumba Road, covering 50 acres. Parking arrangements are being organized on 40 acres for the meeting. Notably, meetings have been conducted on behalf of the Sakal Maratha Samaj to plan the event.