'Will fulfill the promise and ensure Maratha reservation remains in legal framework,' says CM Eknath Shinde

Eknath Shinde addressing rally in Navi Mumbai with Manoj Jarange. Pic/Sameer Abedi

As the hunger strike of Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil ended in Vashi, Navi Mumbai on Saturday, Maharashtra's chief minister Eknath Shinde addressed the rally and said, "We will fulfill the public oath (promise made to people) in regards to Maratha community reservation." He also said that he had taken oath of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to provide reservation to the Maratha community, and affirmed that it would be ensured that the reservation falls in legal framework.

CM Shinde congratulated Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil and all his supporters as the state government accepted all demands. Eknath Shinde added that the decision to grant reservation and accept Maratha community's demands is not for votes, but to benefit all constituents of the society including the farmers and labourers. Jarange was also given a copy of the notification issued by the state government in regards to Maratha reservation.

Shinde and Patil together offered garlands to the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Navi Mumbai.

Jarange Patil had embarked to Mumbai on a protest rally with thousands of his supporters demanding reservation for Maratha community had declared an hunger strike until his demands are met. Jarange, who had begun his fast on Friday, was fed a glass of juice by CM Eknath Shinde on Saturday as a mark of him ending his hunger strike.

Shinde had held meetings with officials over the activist's demands and sent a delegation with a draft ordinance on Friday night after which Patil said he was calling off his protest.

CM Shinde posted on X that as the government has accepted Manoj Jarange's demands, it is the victory of entire Maratha community and also congratulates the entire Maratha community for making the movement a success in a disciplined manner without creating any chaos.

Shinde also emphasised his commitment to the Maratha reservation. "I am the son of a farmer and I know how it feels. I had taken a pledge to give reservations to Marathas and I kept my word. This is an historic moment."

"All the demands made by Manoj Jarange Patil have been accepted by the state government and relatives will also be included while searching Kunbi records. The deadline for the commitee would be extended for the same", Shinde posted on his X.

Shinde also posted that, "We have agreed to pay compensation to those who lost their lives in the Maratha movement."