Maratha Reservation: CM Eknath Shinde assures Maratha quota without hurting other OBC's or communities

CM Eknath Shinde with activist Manoj Jarange after latter broke his fast on Saturday. Pic/CMO

Amid the row over the Maratha quota that it will result in encroachment of other communities reservation, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde reassured on Monday that his government will give the reservation to the Maratha community without making any kind of change in other communities reservation.

"We will keep in mind that whether it is OBC community or any other community, reservation to the Maratha community will be given without making any kind of change in their reservation. Our view from the beginning has been to provide such reservation which meets the criteria. I have said this openly as Chief Minister and both our Deputy Chief Ministers have also said the same", Shinde said while speaking with the media.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday clarified also that there will be no injustice done to any community in regards to the government's decision to grant reservation to Maratha community.

The clarifications came after Union Minister Narayan Rane disagreed with the decision taken by the Maharashtra government led by on reservation to Maratha community stating that it may create dissatisfaction among other backward communities (OBC) in the state.

Maharashtra cabinet minister and veteran OBC leader Chhagan Bhujbal, from NCP has also expressed dissatisfaction with the state government's decision. He questioned what he described as the "backdoor entry" of Marathas into the OBC category. The Kunbi community, classified as OBC, has been at the center of the controversy, with Jarange demanding Kunbi certificates for all Marathas.

"With the ordinance, the rights of the Maratha community have become easily available to them. It was legal for the registered Maratha community to obtain the certificate. While doing so, 100% security is also provided to the OBC community. The personal role of some leaders may be different on this. What has been done will be brought to their attention," said Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday.

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange on Saturday called off his indefinite fast for Maratha reservation after the Maharashtra government accepted his demands, with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announcing that till Marathas get reservation, they will be given all the benefits enjoyed by the OBCs.

(With ANI Inputs)