BJP leader Raosaheb Patil Danve has sharply criticized the Congress and Uddhav Thackeray-led governments for their handling of the Maratha reservation issue, highlighting the actions taken by the BJP government under former Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
In his statement, Danve accused previous Congress and Thackeray administrations of neglecting the demand for Maratha reservation. “Congress and Uddhav Thackeray governments came many times but they did not pay heed to the demand of Maratha reservation,” Danve said. He contrasted this with the BJP’s approach, noting that under Fadnavis’ leadership, the BJP government established the Dalit Aayog, conducted a study, and implemented reservation measures for Dalits.
Danve also addressed the current controversy surrounding Maratha reservation, particularly the proposal to utilize the OBC quota. “We have been agreeing with Jarange Patil’s demand that reservation should be given but not by reducing someone else’s,” Danve stated. He questioned whether Congress, Uddhav Thackeray, and Sharad Pawar support the proposal to allocate Maratha reservation from the OBC quota. “If yes, then they should give it in writing,” he challenged.
Furthermore, Danve accused these opposition figures of using the reservation issue for electoral gain. “They contested the Lok Sabha elections on this issue and now they want to contest the assembly elections on the same,” he remarked, suggesting that the reservation debate is being leveraged for political purposes.
Danve’s comments reflect the ongoing debate and political maneuvering surrounding the Maratha reservation issue, which remains a contentious topic in Maharashtra’s political landscape. His statements highlight the BJP’s stance on the issue and call for clarity and commitment from opposition parties.
