Maharashtra, India – In a disturbing turn of events, the state of Maharashtra has once again been rocked by violence stemming from the long-standing Maratha quota issue. Protests have intensified after comments attributed to NCP MLA Prakash Solanke triggered outrage, resulting in his home in Beed district being vandalized and set on fire. The situation has raised concerns about the escalating unrest within the Maratha community.
The protests erupted following alleged comments made by Prakash Solanke against a hunger strike led by pro-quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil, which commenced on October 25. In a widely circulated audio clip, Solanke is purportedly heard dismissing the quota demand, stating, “The issue has become a child’s game.” He further insinuated that Patil, who had not contested a gram panchayat election, was not qualified to lead the movement.
The violent response to Solanke’s comments saw protesters attacking his residence and setting it ablaze. Stones were thrown, and a vehicle parked outside the house was damaged, though fortunately, none of Solanke’s family members or staff were injured. Visuals of the large white house engulfed in flames and billowing black smoke have shocked the public.
The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) swiftly condemned the arson, labeling it a “complete failure of the (state) Home Minister.” Supriya Sule, an NCP MP from Sharad Pawar’s faction, criticized the government, calling it a “triple engine government” failure and questioning the role of the Home Minister.
Sharad Pawar, the veteran politician and NCP leader, criticized the Maharashtra government’s inaction on the Maratha quota issue, emphasizing the need to fulfill Manoj Patil’s demand without hurting other communities’ interests.
In response to the escalating tensions, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde acknowledged the gravity of the situation and announced the formation of a board to address the Maratha reservation issue. Shinde mentioned that the board would make suggestions and collect empirical data to support the state’s case in the pending curative petition regarding Maratha reservation in the Supreme Court.
The government plans to grant reservations in two phases, one based on Kunbi caste certificates and the other on economic backwardness, ensuring that the measures pass legal scrutiny.
Amid these developments, the Maratha quota protests have also affected a cricket World Cup match in Pune. To avoid disruptions, the police have turned away individuals dressed in black, fearing potential political statements.
The Maratha community has long been seeking reservation in government jobs and education under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category, and the recent violence underscores the urgency of finding a resolution to this deeply divisive issue. As tensions continue to rise, authorities and community leaders must work together to address the concerns and seek a peaceful path forward. Further talks are expected between representatives of Manoj Patil and cabinet members, as the state grapples with this complex and sensitive matter.
Sources By Agencies
