02 November,2023 04:37 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Sanjay Raut/ File Photo
Shiv Sena (UBT) Sanjay Raut, on Thursday, expressed his concerns over the Maratha quota agitation and emphasized that only Union government holds the key to resolving the issue. He, however, pointed out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah were engrossed in election campaigns while the state was grappling with unrest, stated a PTI report.
The report further stated Raut saying that his party's stance has consistently backed the provision of reservations for the Maratha community across Maharashtra with a condition that it does not encroach upon existing quota allocated to other communities. His statements came during a press briefing in Mumbai.
Raut was quoted in the PTI report as saying, "Only the Centre can address this issue (Maratha reservation), but PM Modi is occupied with election campaigning. Amit Shah is actively involved in campaigns spanning from Chhattisgarh to Mizoram, while Maharashtra faces turmoil."
Speaking further, he suggested PM Modi should engage with Maratha activist Manoj Jarange, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike, advocating for the quota. He said that in the event of any harm befalling Jarange, Maharashtra could witness further unrest amid people resorting to suicides.
"People are committing suicide. If anything happens to him (Jarange), Maharashtra will burn. Do they want Maharashtra to burn," Raut was quoted as saying.
The MP further stated that it was the responsibility of the incumbent Maharashtra government, led by Eknath Shinde, to address the demands of the community.
Maratha quota agitation
Maharashtra has been seeing intensified agitation over the Maratha quota across the state, especially in the Marathwada region. In many places, these agitations have taken violent turns with over 150 cases being filed by the cops and over 80 persons being held for perpetrating violence.
The protests intensified on October 25, following Jarange resuming his indefinite strike. Following that many districts in Maharashtra witnessed large-scale violence wherein public properties worth Rs 12 crores were damaged.
Agitators also resorted to arson with some torching an MLA's home and office in Beed and tire-burning incidents being reported from Solapur and Pune.
Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis speaking about the arson on MLAs home had said that there were family members inside the home and the accused will be facing attempt to murder charges.
Meanwhile, in districts like Jalna, Beed and Dharashiv (Osmanabad), internet services have been suspended temporarily and prohibitory orders are in place.
