Title: Ask Eknath Shinde why Marathas are back in Mumbai: Raj Thackeray
The Maratha community, which has been demanding reservations and quotas in government jobs and educational institutions, has returned to the streets of Mumbai in large numbers. The indefinite fast by Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange at Azad Maidan has sparked fresh protests, with thousands of Marathas gathering at the venue to show their support. Amidst the renewed agitation, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Raj Thackeray has raised a pointed question: “Ask Eknath Shinde why Marathas have come to Mumbai.”
Last year, in January 2024, thousands of Marathas led by Jarange had protested in Navi Mumbai, demanding reservations and quotas. At the time, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde met Jarange and announced a government resolution promising Kunbi caste certificates to eligible Marathas. This move was seen as a major breakthrough in resolving the long-pending Maratha quota row. However, it appears that the community’s demands have not been fully addressed, and they have returned to the streets to continue their fight.
The reasons for the Maratha community’s renewed agitation are multifaceted. One of the primary issues is the slow pace of implementation of the government’s resolution. Despite the Chief Minister’s announcement, the process of issuing caste certificates has been slow, and many eligible Marathas have been left frustrated. This has led to a sense of betrayal and disillusionment among the community members, who feel that the government has failed to deliver on its promises.
Another issue is the lack of clarity on the reservation policy. While the government has promised reservations, there is still a lot of uncertainty about the percentage of reservations and the specific sectors where they will be applied. This lack of clarity has led to confusion and anxiety among Maratha youth, who are eager to take advantage of the reservations but are unclear about the eligibility criteria.
The Maratha community’s renewed agitation has also been fueled by the perceived neglect of their demands by the government. Many community members feel that their struggles have been ignored, and their voices have not been heard. This sense of marginalization and frustration has led to a growing sense of resentment and anger, which is driving the community’s protests.
Raj Thackeray’s question to Eknath Shinde is a pointed one. The MNS leader is asking the Chief Minister to explain why the Maratha community has returned to the streets despite his government’s promises. This question cuts to the heart of the issue, highlighting the government’s failure to deliver on its promises and the community’s loss of faith in the system.
The Maratha quota row has been a long-standing issue in Maharashtra, with the community demanding reservations and quotas for decades. The agitation has seen significant violence and disruption in the past, and it is essential that the government addresses the community’s demands in a comprehensive and timely manner.
In conclusion, the Maratha community’s renewed agitation is a sobering reminder of the government’s failures and the community’s frustrations. Raj Thackeray’s question to Eknath Shinde is a timely and relevant one, and it is essential that the Chief Minister provides a clear and comprehensive response to the community’s demands. The Maratha community has been patient for far too long, and it is time for the government to take concrete steps to address their grievances.
