Amid ongoing protests over Maratha and OBC reservations in Maharashtra, the NCP MP Supriya Sule on Thursday has urged the Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to prioritise the discussion on these quota matters in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Sule’s demand came at a time when the quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil has launched his second phase of state wide tour as a part of the agitation he is leading to demand reservation to the Maratha community. Further, NCP MP’s request to the LS Speaker is coincided with the Samata Parishad founder and the cabinet minister Chhagan Bhujbal, who has deserted Sharad Pawar and joined Ajit Pawar camp in July this year, will also embark on the statewide tour from November 17 to send a message to the state government asking it not to reduce the reservation share of OBCs. While Jarange Patil has given a deadline of December 24 to the state government to provide the ‘’blanket’ reservation to the Maratha community, Bhujbal and several other OBC leaders have strongly opposed it saying that the reservation provided to Maratha community by giving Kunbi certificates would impact the reservation benefits of the OBCs.
Sule on X said ‘’Protests have escalated in Maharashtra, demanding the implementation of reservations for Maratha and Dhangar communities in recent days. The long-standing demand for reservations for the Maratha, Dhangar, Lingayat, and Muslim communities persists despite the ruling party’s majority both at the Centre & State. This prolonged neglect has led to profound anger and frustration within these communities, tragically resulting in a surge of youth suicides. It’s an extremely concerning situation that requires immediate attention.’’
Hence, Sule said it is crucial that these reservation issues are thoroughly discussed in the House, accompanied by the introduction of relevant bills for resolution. Addressing these concerns through robust debates and legislative measures is fundamental to alleviate the escalating distress and ensure justice for these communities, she added.
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