In a significant development, Maratha quota activists are gearing up for a massive agitation, with around ten lakh vehicles set to converge on Mumbai on January 20. The agitators, led by activist Manoj Jarange, are mobilizing in anticipation of the Supreme Court’s hearing on the curative plea regarding the Maratha reservation issue scheduled for January 24.
Agitation Plans and Mobilization:
Manoj Jarange, a prominent Maratha quota activist, announced that approximately ten lakh vehicles carrying essential materials for the agitators would head for Mumbai on January 20. The vehicles will come from various districts, and groups of 30 to 40 thousand people each will march towards the city. The mobilization reflects the determination of the Maratha community to press for their reservation demands.
Jarange, who declared an indefinite hunger strike, emphasized the resilience of the Maratha community, stating that the hunger strike would commence at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan on January 20. He urged the community to join the movement and asserted that they would not retreat until the reservation for the Maratha community is secured.
Legal Context and Supreme Court Hearing:
The agitation comes against the backdrop of legal challenges surrounding the Maratha reservation issue. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde urged caution, pointing to the Supreme Court’s acceptance of the state government’s curative plea. The hearing, scheduled for January 24, offers a potential “window of hope” for the community, as articulated by Shinde in a video message.
The legal consequences of the Supreme Court’s decision will shape the fate of the Maratha reservation. The state’s legal team, comprising experienced lawyers, is expected to present the case, emphasizing the social and economic backwardness of the Maratha community. Shinde highlighted the substantial data gathered by the State Backward Class Commission, aiming to address the challenges faced by the community.
Government’s Commitment and Previous Legal Setbacks:
While acknowledging the legal hurdles faced by the Maratha reservation in the past, Chief Minister Shinde reassured the community of the government’s commitment. He urged people to remain calm and emphasized the preservation of reservation privileges for other groups while pursuing the Marathas’ quota.
Shinde praised the efforts of the previous government to provide Maratha reservation, a decision that was initially affirmed by the Bombay High Court. However, the Supreme Court later overturned the reservation due to insufficient validation by the present Maha Vikas Aghadi government led by Uddhav Thackeray. The legal consequences of these setbacks have heightened the stakes for the upcoming Supreme Court hearing and the ongoing agitation.
The mobilization of Maratha quota activists and the impending agitation underscore the intensity of the community’s struggle for reservation. With legal challenges intertwined with their demands, the Supreme Court’s upcoming hearing holds immense significance. The government’s commitment, legal strategies, and the community’s resilience will collectively shape the outcome, impacting the broader discourse on reservations and social justice in India. As the date approaches, all eyes will be on the legal proceedings and the unfolding events surrounding the Maratha reservation issue.
