"Empty promises since 2014": Nana Patole slams BJP over reservation issue

Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president Nana Patole criticized the BJP's handling of reservation issues and vowed that these concerns would be addressed once the Congress assumes power. Patole stressed the rightful demand for reservations by the Maratha, OBCs, and Dhangar communities. He accused the BJP of making empty promises regarding reservations since 2014, despite being in power at both the state and central levels. Patole pledged that, if the Congress came to power, a caste-wise census would be conducted, and the reservation issue resolved.

“Maratha, OBCs, and Dhangar communities are presently demanding reservation in the state, and their demand is legitimate. Since 2014, the BJP has made empty promises regarding reservations for these communities. Despite the BJP being in power at both the central and state levels, they have failed to grant reservations to any community,” Patole said while addressing a press conference in Mumbai.  

Patole stated during a press conference in Mumbai that once the Congress comes to power, a caste-wise census will be conducted, and the reservation issue will be resolved.

He went on to accuse the BJP of sowing discord between communities and misleading them regarding reservations. Patole highlighted the ongoing tension in the state surrounding reservation matters and criticized Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for contradictory statements.

“BJP is committing the sin of creating a dispute between two communities over reservation. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said in Nagpur that he will not touch reservation for OBCs and the same Fadnavis says that only he can give reservation to Marathas. But in reality, he is misleading both the communities. If the reservation issue is to be resolved, the Central government can do it immediately. Caste-wise census is an important path towards it but BJP is against caste-wise census. Congress party, Mallikarjun Kharge ji, Soniaji Gandhi and Rahulji Gandhi have demanded caste-wise census. It has also promised to conduct a caste-wise census if the Congress comes to power,” Patole said.