New Delhi (Agency): NCP President Sharad Pawar has urged the Centre to eliminate the 50% cap on quotas and raise it by 15-16% to provide room for more communities. His remarks come amidst renewed attention on the issue of Maratha reservation in Maharashtra.
Speaking at a press conference, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief revealed that Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has scheduled a meeting for Wednesday with all party heads of the INDIA alliance. This alliance, consisting of 28 opposition parties, is preparing to challenge the BJP-led Centre in the upcoming general elections.
The Maratha community has been engaging in protests across the state, demanding reservations in government jobs and educational institutions. Addressing concerns about expanding the quota beneficiaries, Pawar commented, “The option is to make amendments by the Centre in Parliament to the existing 50% cap and add 15-16% to it.” He emphasized that distinctions between OBC and other communities should be avoided.
Regarding the ongoing drought-like situation in various parts of Maharashtra, Pawar stressed the importance of addressing challenges such as providing fodder for cattle, drinking water, crop preservation, economic support for farmers, and the suspension of state levies.
The Maratha reservation issue gained prominence once again after a recent incident in Antarwali Sarathi village in Jalna district. Police used baton charges and tear gas to disperse a violent mob protesting the alleged denial of medical assistance to a man on a hunger strike demanding Maratha quota.
During the violence, numerous individuals, including 40 police personnel, sustained injuries, and more than 15 state transport buses were set on fire in Jalna.