'Maratha Quota Activist Manoj Patil’s Move to End Fast a Setback for Those With Vested Interests’: Minister Uday Samant

The decision of Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil and his supporters to break their fast at the behest of the state government is a setback to those with vested interests who tried to incite violence in Maharashtra, industries minister Uday Samant said on Saturday.

The Eknath Shinde government has set a deadline of two months to give reservation to Marathas. At the all-party meet called to discuss the issue, it was decided that the quota row would not be politicised but the Shinde camp has started targeting opposition leaders for instigating the mob that turned violent across the state.

“I thank Manoj Jarange Patil and his supporters for breaking their fast. Retired judges also played a crucial role in this complex issue. I was a part of the delegation that had a detailed discussion with Patil on Friday. We assured them that our government will give permanent reservation to the Maratha community,” he said.

Samant added: “Since Patil broke his hunger strike, it’s a setback for groups with vested interests. The Maratha community marched peacefully in Maharashtra in lakhs from 2014 to 2019 and never resorted to violence. But this time, some people tried to defame the government and Patil by using violence.”

The minister said in accordance with Patil’s demands, the government has started issuing Kunbi certificates to the community. “Chief minister Eknath Shinde and the deputy chief ministers are monitoring these developments. There have been many chief ministers from the Maratha community but only Shinde can give them reservation and he is working relentlessly for it.”

Samant further said: “Patil’s demand is to withdraw cases against the community’s youth for agitation and for that, Shinde has given instructions that the cases will be taken back in the next 15 days while the remaining will be withdrawn within a month. Patil said compensation should be given to farmers who have suffered losses and Shinde has said 441 farmers will be compensated. The government has written down all of Patil’s demands and started work on them.”