Shinde appeals to Jarange to reconsider Mumbai march, not disrupt Ganeshotsav

The Maratha reservation issue has flared up again in the state, with Manoj Jarange Patil having set off for Mumbai. Mumbai Police have not given permission for the agitation at Azad Maidan, but Jarange is still heading towards the city. Against this backdrop, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has clarified the government's position and appealed to the agitators for cooperation.

Shinde said the government is moving four steps ahead, and that Manoj Jarange Patil should also take a cooperative approach. Ganeshotsav is currently underway in Mumbai, with lakhs of devotees and thousands of Ganesh mandals taking part in the festival. Shinde said clearly that the government's intention is that the agitation should not cause any trouble to Ganesh devotees or ordinary citizens.

Shinde recalled that 58 marches by the Maratha community have earlier been taken out in Mumbai, involving lakhs of people, but care was taken at the time to ensure no inconvenience to other communities or citizens. On this basis, he appealed to the agitators to reconsider their decision to come to Mumbai.

Eknath Shinde claimed that the government has been positive on the Maratha reservation issue from the start. According to him, the government has given the Maratha community 10 percent SEBC reservation, which students and youth are benefiting from. He also referred to 5,300 appointments that are stalled due to a court stay.

The Justice Shinde Committee was set up to issue certificates to members of the Maratha community holding Kunbi documents, and he said lakhs of people have already received Kunbi certificates. He also mentioned Sarathi, scholarships, hostel facilities and schemes of the Annasaheb Patil Economic Development Corporation.

On Manoj Jarange's criticism of the government, Shinde said that in a democracy everyone has the right to criticise the government and protest, but agitations should keep the community's interest at the centre and should not be given a political colour.

Shinde also made clear that while delivering justice to the Maratha community, the government's stance is that no injustice should be done to any other community. He said some demands are pending in court, and agitators should also consider this aspect.

All eyes are now on what role Manoj Jarange takes after reaching Mumbai, and on whether talks resume between the government and the agitators.