The Maharashtra Cabinet has decided to set up a six-member cabinet subcommittee to address issues concerning the Other Backward Classes (OBC) community, following its decision on the Maratha reservation. The panel will have two ministers from each of the three ruling parties.
The move comes as a response to growing concerns among OBC groups, signalling the government’s efforts to balance the demands of various communities after granting relief to the Marathas.
Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange has been pressing for all Marathas to be included under the Kunbi category, which falls within the OBC list. The classification would enable the community to access quotas in government jobs and education.
On Tuesday, Jarange ended his indefinite fast at Azad Maidan in Mumbai after the Maharashtra cabinet subcommittee on the Maratha quota presented a Government Resolution (GR). Breaking down in tears, he described the decision as a “Diwali” for the community.
“Maratha vijay zala, aj vijay zala, sukhi zala (Marathas have emerged victorious today and we are happy),” Jarange said as he was carried from his protest stage to an ambulance. He added, “Today is Diwali for us, as we have got what we wanted.” Protesters also performed a Ganpati Aarti in thanksgiving, after which Jarange declared the protest formally over.
Cabinet subcommittee head Radhakrishna Vikhepatil thanked Jarange for accepting the government’s proposal. Jarange broke his fast by drinking juice, surrounded by supporters who expressed visible relief and joy.
Also Read : Maratha quota protest ends
In a post on X, Vikhepatil confirmed that the cabinet subcommittee had held detailed discussions on the demands raised by Jarange Patil. “The government is taking positive steps for the rightful demands of the Maratha community, and deliberations were held on the decision-making process in this regard,” he stated.
Earlier in the day, the Bombay High Court adjourned the Maratha quota matter until Wednesday, noting that it expected some development.
Advocate Satish Maneshinde, representing Jarange, urged his supporters not to create traffic problems or gather in numbers exceeding 5,000. Attorney General Birender Saraf told the court that all police procedures had been followed and a list of violations by protesters had been submitted.
Saraf added that police had asked Jarange’s supporters to leave Mumbai in view of Ganeshotsav and the strain on law enforcement resources. The court, however, criticised the state authorities for allowing the situation to escalate, warning that orders had been breached.
Follow us
