Pass a bill to grant quota to Marathas in winter session of Maharashtra legislature: Jarange to govt

Addressing a rally in Thane, the home turf of Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, he reminded the government of the December 24 deadline

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange on Tuesday urged the Maharashtra government to pass a bill to provide reservation to Marathas in the upcoming winter session of the state legislature instead of convening a special session for it.

Addressing a rally in Thane, the home turf of Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, he reminded the government of the December 24 deadline he set before it to give reservation to the community, and said if the demand is not fulfilled by that time, then after that, the agitation cannot be handled by the government.

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The government is left with no other option but to give reservation to his community, Mr. Jarange, who has been leading the latest agitation to seek quota for the Maratha community in government jobs and education under the OBC category, said.

"The Maharashtra government can pass a bill in the upcoming session of the state legislature scheduled to be held from December 7. Instead of calling a special session, give reservation to Marathas in the coming session itself based on the latest (Kunbi) record findings," he said.

The people whose records are not available, the formula of 2001 Reservation Act be applied to grant quota, he said.

CM Shinde has the capacity to take a decision on this, he said.