Session planned to tackle Maratha reservation issue

Mumbai: State leaders decided, in an all-party meeting that was called on Saturday to discuss the burning Maratha reservation issue, that a special Assembly session would be held for lawmakers to confer about the matter. The session will take place after the Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission submits its report on the economic and social backwardness prevailing among the community. It was also decided that the state government would revoke FIRs against Maratha protesters in the past few days.

In an attempt to restore normalcy in the state in the wake of violent protests by the Maratha community, the state government had called a meeting of group leaders in both Houses of state legislature. After the meeting, politicos came up with a three-point joint statement. “We appeal for peace in the state, and no one should indulge in violence as well as any activity such as suicide. Also, there is wide agreement among all political parties about clearing the demand of Maratha reservation. As soon as the report of the Backward Commission comes to the state government, there will be a legislative session,” the statement read.  

After the meeting, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said that he had instructed the state’s director general of police about revoking cases against Maratha protesters. “Those who have beaten up police officers or have been seen committing serious offences like burning cars or destroying property won’t be spared. Peaceful protesters will not have to face any case,” said Mr Fadnavis.  

Opposition leader Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil clarified that Opposition parties do not want to indulge in politics over the issue. “The state government should keep its word. We will cooperate with it. Now it is the government’s duty to present the community’s case strongly in court,” said Mr Vikhe-Patil. Nationalist Congress Party leader Ajit Pawar termed the all-party meeting a ‘late but wise action’. “The government should have consulted with leaders of all parties before this, but better late than never. Now it should come up with a proper reservation formula, which will sustain in court,” said Mr Pawar.