Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde reaffirmed the government`s commitment to providing job and education reservations for the Maratha community. He appealed to Maratha youth not to resort to drastic measures such as suicide in their quest for quotas, according to a report in PTI.

Speaking at a Navratri event in Bhavani Chowk, Shinde emphasized the importance of considering their families and loved ones. He delivered an emotional message against suicide, underscoring the government`s ongoing efforts to secure reservations for the Maratha community within the legal framework. 

Following the acceptance of the state government`s curative petition by the Supreme Court on October 13, the Chief Minister assured that the government was actively working on the issue. A panel led by retired judge Sandeep Shinde is currently reviewing historical records in Marathwada as part of the process to grant Kunbi OBC certificates to Maratha community members, he further stated in the report. 

Shinde, who comes from a farming background himself, expressed his personal commitment to ensuring that the Maratha community receives the desired reservations.

Manoj Jarange warns of hunger strike

Manoj Jarange, the Maratha quota activist, has announced plans for a hunger strike starting from October 25 if the Maharashtra government fails to grant reservations to the Maratha community by Tuesday. Speaking at a press conference in Antarwali Sarati village, Jarange also declared that political leaders, including MPs and MLAs, would be barred from entering villages across the state until the reservation demand is met.

Jarange, who conducted a hunger strike in September demanding Maratha reservations in government jobs and education under the OBC category, had withdrawn the protest with an ultimatum for the government to act within 40 days, ending on October 24.

Describing it as a peaceful struggle, Jarange hinted at unveiling new directions on October 28, which the government might find challenging. During his fast, he pledged to abstain from water and medical assistance. A chain hunger strike will commence on October 25, developing into a full-fledged hunger strike starting October 28. He anticipated that five crore Marathas would participate in non-violent demonstrations in every tehsil and village, emphasizing their commitment to peaceful protests.

Jarange too encouraged members of the Maratha community not to resort to extreme actions like suicide, asserting that peaceful protests would be more effective. He criticised the state government for allegedly trying to fuel anti-reservation sentiments within the Maratha community.

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