Devendra Fadnavis, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, convened an emergency meeting to address the ongoing Maratha agitation. The meeting, focused on the Maratha reservation issue, was held at the Varsha residence. Key participants included Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, the head of the Maratha reservation sub-committee, along with Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar. Also in attendance was the chairman of the Shinde Committee, retired Justice Sandeep Shinde.
A key agenda item was the detailed discussion of the Hyderabad and Satara Gazettes. The implementation of these gazettes was reviewed, following a previous meeting between Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil and the Advocate General at the Royal Stone bungalow, where legal aspects were discussed.
Following the meeting at the Chief Minister’s residence, the government is expected to present a proposal to Manoj Jarange Patil. The Shinde Committee will be responsible for delivering this proposal. The meeting’s importance was amplified by Ajit Pawar’s presence.
The government is in the process of drafting a GR regarding reservation for the Maratha community. This draft will be sent to the Advocate General of Maharashtra for approval, after which it will be implemented.
The Maratha movement has reached its fourth day. Manoj Jarange Patil has commenced a fast without water. A new stage is being built in front of Jarange Patil’s, to shield protestors from rain and mud, creating more space for the Maratha activists. The situation suggests the Maratha reservation movement could be prolonged, with the Maratha Coordination Committee prepared for a lengthy effort if the state government doesn’t quickly offer a concrete proposal.
‘Bhakri Thecha’ is being provided to over 50,000 people at Azad Maidan in South Mumbai. Bhakri Thecha, made with bajra and jowar, can be preserved for 4-5 days. Thecha, made from chili and coconut, is also provided. Furthermore, a new wave of 10,000 activists from Marathwada is arriving in Mumbai.
The BMC administration has arranged for facilities such as toilets, water, and shade at Azad Maidan to accommodate the large crowd. The muddy areas have been covered with stone grit to alleviate the mud problem. The rain continues periodically.