The issue of Maratha reservation has once again gained momentum in Maharashtra. In the past, the agitation in Jalna for the demand of Maratha reservation turned violent. Meanwhile, a statement has been issued by Maharashtra CMO regarding Maratha reservation, in which it has been said that the meeting of Maharashtra cabinet sub-committee on Maratha reservation will be held on 4 September. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde will also attend the meeting.
At the same time, two days after violence broke out in Jalna district over the hunger strike of Manoj Jarange Patil demanding Maratha reservation, the state government has invited him for talks. Patil was on a hunger strike since Tuesday in Jalna’s Antarwali Sarathi village demanding reservation for the Maratha community, but the protest turned violent on Friday after authorities tried to take him to the hospital.
When violence broke out, police lathicharged the protesters and fired tear gas shells to disperse them. During this, many people including 40 policemen were injured and more than 15 state transport buses were set on fire. Police said that a case has been registered against more than 360 people in connection with this violence. A government source said that Patil has been invited for talks on the Maratha reservation issue. according to the information received, there will be a meeting between government officials and Patil to demand reservation for the Maratha community. Meanwhile, the police have arrested 40 people so far in this case.