12
Maratha Reservation: Vikhe Patil said that if Pawar had included the Maratha community in the OBC category during the implementation of the Mandal Commission in 1994, this problem would not have existed today.
Maratha Reservation: Maharashtra minister and state cabinet sub-committee head Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil has criticized NCP (SP) chief and Sharad Pawar on the issue of reservation. The minister has accused Pawar of creating social inequality in the state. Speaking to reporters on Thursday night, Vikhe Patil said that if former Chief Minister Pawar had included the Maratha community in the Other Backward Class (OBC) category while implementing the Mandal Commission recommendations in 1994, the current reservation issue would not have arisen. He said that Pawar himself should now clarify his stand on this matter. The minister held a closed-door meeting with Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange in Antarwali Sarti village of Jalna.
Hearing going on in High Court
He told the media persons that I had come here to inquire about Jarange’s health. It was a personal meeting and we discussed general issues. Earlier this week, the High Court had refused to grant an interim stay on the implementation of the state government’s decision to issue Kunbi caste certificates to Marathas. According to Hyderabad Gazetteer, the government order issued is currently being heard in the Bombay High Court. Therefore I do not want to comment on this matter. Whatever decision the court gives, everyone should accept it. The minister criticized Pawar and alleged that he was responsible for creating social inequality in Maharashtra.
Chhagan urges not to protest with force
He said that if Pawar had included the Maratha community in the OBC category during the implementation of the Mandal Commission in 1994, this problem would not have existed today. He is responsible for creating social inequality in the state and should clarify his position on this important issue. Vikhe Patil also said that OBC leaders should accept Maratha reservation, as the High Court has refused to stay it and termed their agitation against reservation as unfair. He also urged Minister Chhagan Bhujbal not to oppose Maratha reservation. The minister said that the government is serious about the issue of reservation. The government is trying for a respectable solution.
Also read: Anant Singh announces to contest elections, will file nomination from this seat; Know what has been the history
