GG News Bureau
Mumbai, 21st Feb. The Maharashtra legislative assembly unanimously passed a bill on Tuesday, paving the way for 10 per cent reservation for the Maratha community in education and government jobs.
Former Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Uddhav Thackeray, extended his support to the Eknath Shinde-led government for this landmark decision.
Expressing his approval, Shiv Sena Chief Uddhav Thackeray remarked, “After studying the bill, the government tabled this bill and it was passed, and it will stand in court too. I’m happy, and we appreciate the government.” He further congratulated the Maratha people, acknowledging their sacrifices for this crucial cause.
Despite previous concerns, Thackeray refrained from criticizing the government, emphasizing the importance of the reservation for education and employment opportunities. He specifically referenced the controversial lathi charge incident in Antarwali village but refrained from questioning the government’s actions on this occasion.
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde introduced the Maharashtra State Socially and Educationally Backward Bill 2024 during a day-long special session of the legislature dedicated to the Maratha quota issue. The bill also includes a provision for a review of the reservation policy after 10 years once it comes into effect.
However, the passage of the bill did not appease all activists. Manoj Jarange Patil, who has been on a hunger strike since February 10, expressed dissatisfaction, insisting that Maratha reservation should fall under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category rather than a separate quota. He criticized the government’s attempt to address the issue and accused it of acting under external influence, particularly that of Minister Chhagan Bhujbal.
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