Maharashtra State Assembly on Thursday announced 16 per cent reservation to Maratha community. This proved as a pay-off for the Maratha community protesting rigorously for the demand through the ‘Maratha Kranti Morcha’ over the past two-years.
According to the bill, Marathas will now get 16 per cent reservation through the socially and educationally backward class category, which has been specially created for the community.
But Maratha community is still skeptical about enjoying benefits of the reservation. They have claimed that it is now the government’s responsibility to ensure that the bill passes the test of the law.
Meanwhile, members of the Dhangar and OBC communities have threatened to lodge protests if their benefits are hampered in any way.
Rajendra Kondhare, the coordinator of Maratha Kranti Morcha said, “Though government has announced reservation, we still have a long way to go. They should live up to their promises. This reservation is beyond the existing 50 per cent reservation and now they should approach Parliament and make necessary amendments. We will now start a campaign for reservation beyond 50 per cent from Parliament and we are
appealing to all the other communities to join hands.”
The leader of Sambhaji Brigade, Santosh Shinde, said “Only BJP leaders are celebrating as members of the Maratha community know this is just the beginning. There is still a huge process to be completed for the community members to enjoy benefits of this reservation.”
Dreaded that OBCs might suffer, the Dhangar community has declared they will be lodging a fresh protest. Prakash Shendge, leader of Dhangar community said, “They have cheated us and the Marathas. The chief minister has announced that recommendation for Dhangar reservation will be sent to central government. Thus, we are left with no option but to protest.”