Protesters advocating for Maratha reservation allegedly set fire to the office of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in Beed city, Maharashtra, on Monday evening. The protesters were also reported to have set fire to the residences of NCP MLA Sandeep Kshirsagar and former state minister Jay Kshirsagar.
Earlier on Monday, a violent protest erupted over the Maratha reservation issue, leading to the vandalization and setting ablaze of NCP MLA Prakash Solanke’s residence in the Beed district.
Prakash Solanke, a member of the NCP faction led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, reported, “I was inside my home when it was attacked. Fortunately, none of my family members or staff were injured. We are all safe, but there is significant property damage due to the fire.”
The Maratha reservation protest has intensified, with activist Manoj Jarange beginning an indefinite fast on October 25 in Jalna district. The protest’s second phase was initiated by Jarange, who had previously gone on a hunger strike from August 29 to September 14, ending it when the government promised to consider the quota demand.
In response to the violent incidents in Beed district, Beed District Collector Dipa Mudhol Munde issued prohibitory orders under Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) 144(2) in a 5-kilometer radius area from the district headquarters and all taluka headquarters in the district.
While addressing the ongoing Maratha reservation protests, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde urged the Maratha community to exercise patience and not resort to extreme measures. He assured the community of a positive decision regarding their reservation demand.
Shinde stated, “I requested Manoj Jarange (Maratha reservation activist) – a positive decision will be made. You will get reservation, you will get one reservation within the framework of the law. There will be no cheating; we don’t want to make a decision that will be canceled.”
Shinde cautioned against inciting violence in the name of the Maratha reservation and expressed concern that certain individuals were casting suspicion on the entire movement.
The Chief Minister’s statements followed a meeting of the Maharashtra government’s sub-committee to discuss the Maratha reservation issue. Shinde mentioned that the government has formed an advisory board under the leadership of various retired judges to address the matter.
Following the meeting, Shinde stated, “The Justice Shinde committee formed for giving reservation to the Maratha community has submitted their first report to us.” The Committee has been granted a two-month extension to submit their final report.
The Maratha reservation protest has become a significant social and political issue in Maharashtra, with ongoing demands for reservation that covers the entire state rather than specific regions. Activist Manoj Jarange warned of escalating the agitation if the state government did not fulfill the community’s demand.
The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) suspended bus services from Pune to two districts in Marathwada after protesters demanding Maratha community reservation pelted stones at some buses. Bus services from Pune to Beed and Latur districts were disrupted, leading to the cancellation of several buses.
The Maratha reservation issue has resulted in protests, violence, and political discussions, and efforts are ongoing to address the concerns of the Maratha community regarding reservation rights in the state.
