Fadnavis: 12 of 13 Maratha Demands Accepted

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Tuesday that the state government has accepted and acted on 12 of the 13 demands raised by Manoj Jarange Patil regarding the Maratha reservation issue.

The announcement was made after the weekly cabinet meeting in Mumbai. Fadnavis explained that one demand could not be implemented as it is pending before the court.

Maratha activists, led by Patil, have started a protest march towards Mumbai from Jalna district. The march is expected to reach Mumbai on September 19, where Patil will continue his hunger strike over the community's reservation demand.

However, the protest's timing coincides with the Gauri Ganesh Visarjan festival, which may cause inconvenience to citizens and law enforcement agencies.

Fadnavis stated that the government has tried to explain the legal difficulties in implementing the pending demand. The only demand pending is the issuance of a Kunbi (Other Backward Class) certificate to all Maratha community members based on old government records and gazetteers.

The CM appealed to Patil to reconsider his decision to hold protests during the festive season, citing potential inconvenience to devotees.

Meanwhile, police have denied permission for a protest at Azad Maidan, citing potential law and order problems. Patil has altered his plans and will now come to Mumbai with a small group of community members, giving an undertaking that the protest will not cause any road blockages or inconvenience to citizens.

If the government still denies permission, Patil plans to approach the court.

The Maratha reservation issue has been a long-standing demand of the community, with various protests and agitations taking place over the years. The issue is currently pending before the court, and the government's decision to accept and act on 12 of the 13 demands is seen as a significant step towards resolving the issue.

However, the timing of the protest and the potential inconvenience it may cause to citizens and law enforcement agencies remain a concern.

The Maharashtra government's efforts to address the Maratha reservation issue are being closely watched, and the outcome of the protest and the court's decision will be crucial in determining the future course of action.

In conclusion, the Maratha reservation issue remains a sensitive and complex issue, and the government's efforts to address it are ongoing. The protest and the court's decision will be closely watched, and the outcome will have significant implications for the community and the state as a whole.