Now that the government has moved a step forward, we must think collectively about the way ahead. Manoj Jarange Patil has achieved this breakthrough by leading the agitation, and all Maratha intellectuals should now cooperate in implementing it,” he said.
Mumbai: Following the state government’s decision to issue a new Government Resolution (GR) on Maratha reservation, activist Manoj Jarange Patil called off his protest at Azad Maidan. Stating that most of their demands had been accepted, Jarange ended his hunger strike, declaring that the Maratha community had “won the battle” for reservation.
However, senior activist Vinod Patil, who has long fought for Maratha quota rights, claimed that the new GR would not bring any real benefits. His remarks drew a sharp response from Maratha Sub-Committee Chairman Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, who addressed the issue at a press conference in Mumbai on Wednesday.
Over the years, multiple voices within the Maratha community have expressed differing opinions on the reservation demand. Vikhe Patil noted that such divisions weakened the struggle. “For years we maintained separate thought streams, but did that bring success? No, it only led to repeated failure. Now that the government has moved a step forward, we must think collectively about the way ahead. Manoj Jarange Patil has achieved this breakthrough by leading the agitation, and all Maratha intellectuals should now cooperate in implementing it,” he said.
At the briefing, Vikhe Patil once again credited Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for the Maratha reservation progress. “Throughout the entire decision-making process, we held daily discussions with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The legal challenges and possible alternatives created by the new GR were deliberated with him, and we consistently received his guidance,” he said.
Replying to questions raised by the opposition regarding the GR, Vikhe Patil clarified that the decision was not aimed at benefiting any single community. “In regions outside the Nizam-ruled areas during British rule, there are existing records. Nearly 80 to 90 percent of those engaged in farming have received documents. This will not harm OBC reservations in any way. No community’s quota has been taken away. The government’s role was to ensure justice,” he explained.
When asked why the government did not invite objections or suggestions before issuing the GR, Vikhe Patil replied that the decision was carefully deliberated. “We consulted Justice Shinde and also sought the opinion of the Advocate General. This was not a hasty decision,” he asserted.
 on Maratha reservation, activist Manoj Jarange Patil called off his protest at Azad Maidan. Stating that most of their demands had been accepted, Jarange ended his hunger strike, declaring that the Maratha community had “won the battle” for reservation.){kind=link}