Maharashtra: Jarange’s demands must be viewed with sympathy, says Pankaja Munde

pankaja munde. File Pic

Maharashtra minister and senior BJP leader Pankaja Munde has urged the state government to treat the demands of Maratha quota campaigner Manoj Jarange with empathy and fairness. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday in Jalna, following her participation in the official Maharashtra Day celebrations, Munde emphasised the need for justice for the Maratha community within the boundaries of the law.

According to PTI, Jarange has announced plans to resume his hunger strike from 29 August, intensifying his push for reservation for the Maratha community in government employment and educational institutions. His campaign for Maratha rights has gained significant traction over the past year, drawing attention to the perceived marginalisation of the community in public policy.

"The government should think of Jarange's demands with sympathy," Munde stated, adding, "As I always say, the Maratha community should be given justice within the legal framework." Her remarks appear to signal support for Jarange's agitation, while maintaining a firm stance on ensuring legal compliance in any quota-related decisions.

The ongoing Maratha reservation issue has remained a contentious topic in Maharashtra politics. Various stakeholders have expressed divergent views, with many calling for a balanced and legally sustainable resolution.

In addition to speaking about the Maratha quota agitation, Munde also commented on the recent announcement by the Union government regarding the inclusion of caste enumeration in the upcoming national census. Munde expressed her gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing the move as a long-awaited step towards accurately reflecting India's social realities.

"I thank and congratulate the Narendra Modi government many times, because this decision was long awaited," said Munde. "I remember a speech by my late father, Gopinath Munde, where he stated that a caste census will provide the correct picture of society."

BJP MP Kulkarni irked as Ajit Pawar inaugurates building 'before time'

BJP Rajya Sabha member Medha Kulkarni on Thursday expressed displeasure after Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar inaugurated the building of the Parshuram Arthik Vikas Mahamandal here 'before' the scheduled time.

She missed the early morning event even though she was not late, said Kulkarni who is a member of the Mahamandal (corporation) set up for the Brahmin community.
Pawar, a BJP ally, later posed for a photo with Kulkarni in front of the inauguration plaque.

Kulkarni told reporters that she reached the venue ten minutes before the scheduled time of 6.30 am, but the inauguration was over by then.

"I was a little upset as it took place well before the time," she said, adding there was no point in being invited in such a case.

She had the same experience on a few earlier occasions where Pawar was to inaugurate a project, the BJP leader claimed.

"Since I could not take part in the main function today, we stood in a corner and clicked pictures. I would like to request him to fix a time, be it early morning or night," she said.

The BJP-NCP-Shiv Sena government has set up the Parshuram Arthik Vikas Mahamandal for helping the Brahmin community in the state.

(With inputs from PTI)