Mumbai: Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange on Saturday announced that 2-3 crores Marathas will march to Mumbai on January 20 if reservation is not given to them before that. He had given the December 24 deadline to the government to resolve the reservation issue. However, Jarange said he will wait till January 20 for the government to provide reservation.
Jarange addressed a rally in Beed district of Maharashtra. Hailing the unity of Maratha community members, he said that they will get reservations.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde asked Maratha community members including Jarange to maintain peace in the state and also have patience as Supreme Court of India has decided to hear a curative petition on January 24, 2023 against its judgment holding the Maratha reservation law unconstitutional.
Giving a call of “Chalo Mumbai”, the Maratha quota activist said that they have decided to go Mumbai on January 20. “The Marathas will go to Mumbai from Antarwali (where he previously sat on fast in Ambad tehsil in Jalna district) by walking from January 20. We will reach Mumbai in four to five days,” he said.
Around 2-3 crore people will march for Mumbai, Jarange claimed. The government should give reservation to the Marathas before January 20. The Marathas would not hold a discussion with the government after January 20.
Urging his supporters to hold peaceful protests, Jarange said, “The image of the Maratha community should not be tarnished. If someone sets fire to a vehicle then catch him on the spot and hand him over to the cops We will go to Mumbai in a peaceful manner. Those who resort to violence are not with us.”
Jarange also appealed to Maratha MLAs, MPs and ministers to stand with the community.
“If we get the reservation before 20 January, it would be fine. Preparation should be done in a peaceful manner for January 20. Once the Maratha community reaches Mumbai, we will not leave Mumbai before taking reservation,” Jarange said.
However , the Maharashtra CM said that the people should maintain the law and order and ensure peace till the matter is being argued in the Supreme Court next month.
The chief minister said, “The Supreme Court accepted the curative petition and it will be heard on January 24. It is a constructive step towards restoring the reservation for the Maratha community. Therefore, I am thankful to the Apex Court.”
