Sharad Pawar Leaves Maratha Quota Decision to Eknath Shinde and the Centre

Senior Pawar urged Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to convene an all-party meeting to resolve the Maratha quota issue. He also suggested that the Centre should work to remove the 50 per cent ceiling on reservations. Pawar emphasized that if there’s a problem, all parties in the state should come together and insist that the Centre remove the reservation ceiling, as the Centre has the power to change the limits. He stated that with the support of all parties, they would fully back such a move.

Pawar highlighted how Tamil Nadu had previously implemented a 76 per cent quota, and that the decision to impose a 50 per cent ceiling on reservation was made afterward. He emphasized that the power now lies only with the Centre. He appealed to all political parties in the state to work together to defuse the strife caused by the Maratha-OBC quotas. Additionally, Pawar mentioned that the Chief Minister should invite the striking Shivba Sanghatana leader Manoj Jarange-Patil, and OBC leaders should also be called for the all-party meeting, while the MVA would join as the Opposition.

In response to this, Chief Minister Shinde stated that he was in consultation with Sharad Pawar about ‘alternatives’ on the long-simmering quotas issue. Pawar stressed that all parties must ensure that the social environment is maintained in the state and that there is no bitterness between the two communities (Marathas-OBCs). He also stated that in a democracy, everyone has the right to contest elections and seek votes. The Maratha leader, Mr. Jarange-Patil, has repeatedly threatened that if the government fails to grant the quotas and other demands as promised, the Marathas would not only work to defeat candidates but also put up nominees in all the 288 Assembly seats.