Marathas form committee to start negotiations with Maharashtra government over demands
The formation of committee assumes significance as the Devendra Fadnavis government has been asking the names of representatives with whom it can discuss the issue.
A round-table conference of prominent Maratha leaders on Wednesday formed a high power committee, which will articulated its various demands, including reservation and an amendment to the atrocities Act, to the government.
The formation of committee assumes significance as the Devendra Fadnavis government has been asking the names of representatives with whom it can discuss the issue.
Representatives of Sakal Maratha Samaj, which organised a huge protest march all over the state a few months ago, were present at the meeting in Kolhapur, which was called by Kshatriya Maratha Chamber of Commerce. Chhatrapati Sambhajiraje, a Rajya Sabha member, was also present at the meeting.
The conference decided that the committee would take all decisions on behalf of Maratha community in the future.
It specifically resolved that nobody should organise any programme or agitation under the banner of Sakal Maratha Samaj or Maratha Kranti Morcha. Various protests in Maharashtra were organised under the two banners.
Addressing the meeting, Sambhajiraje insisted that the committee should not have any politician.
“The committee should prepare a comprehensive draft which can be discussed with the government,” he said. The meeting also decided to appoint a coordinator for every district to avoid any confusion.
The coming together of various Maratha leaders also scotched speculation that community leaders were divided.
Protests by Marathas swept Maharashtra after the Kopardi rape and murder case.
The Marathas have been demanding an amendment in the atrocities Act, implementation of Swaminathan Comimission recommendations, loan waiver to farmers, uninterrupted and free power supply to farmers and reservation for the community in education and employment.
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