Leaders of Maratha stir fail to reach consensus on demands

As the Maratha mobilisation reached its peak after a march in Pune on Sunday, the contradictions in the demands made by representatives have divided the leaders.

As the Maratha mobilisation reached its peak after a march in Pune on Sunday, the contradictions in the demands made by representatives have divided the leaders.

A number of people back Chhatrapati Shivaji’s descendent Udayanraje Bhosale’s stand on SC/ST Atrocities Act and reservation, others have put forth other demands. (HT Photo)

While a number of people back Chhatrapati Shivaji’s descendent Udayanraje Bhosale’s stand on SC/ST Atrocities Act and reservation, others have put forth other demands.

Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said the government is ready to discuss various issues with the community to remove contradictions.

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Bhosale said the community will not settle for mere amendments in the Act. “It has come to the notice that it is being misused against Marathas, which makes us demand the complete repeal of the Act,” he said.

The Satara MP has also taken a different stand on reservation issue saying merit should be the sole criterion as the quota system has created fissures among different communities.

Bhosale’s remarks are in contradiction with the demands raised by others who want the Act to be altered as well as reservation for Maratha community.

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Bhai Jagtap, a Maratha leader and Congress member, said he and his party have always asked for amendment in the Act to prevent its misuse.

“We have never demanded that the Act be repealed. We want it to stay but with amendment.”