Union Minister Ramdas Athawale on Sunday praised the Maharashtra government for taking what he described as a “historic decision” on granting reservation to the Maratha community. Speaking on the long-standing demand, Athawale recalled that the Maratha community had been struggling for years to secure reservation benefits, with several protests and movements highlighting their demand for social justice.
He noted that activist Manoj Jarange’s hunger strike at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan had intensified the momentum for the issue, ultimately leading to a concrete response from the state government. “The Maratha community has been demanding reservation for many years. Manoj Jarange’s hunger strike created significant public pressure, and the government of Devendra Fadnavis acted responsibly in addressing this demand,” Athawale said.
Athawale further emphasized the role of Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, applauding his commitment to social justice. “Despite being a Brahmin, Devendra Fadnavis has made a genuine effort to provide justice to the Maratha community. His decision will be remembered as a step towards social equality,” he added.
The Union Minister underlined that the decision was not only politically significant but also socially inclusive, ensuring that the concerns of one of Maharashtra’s largest communities were acknowledged. He also urged political parties to support the move rather than politicize it, highlighting that the community’s empowerment would strengthen the overall social fabric of the state.
