As the stir intensified over demands for Maratha reservation in government jobs and education under the Other Backward Classes (OBC), agitators blackened the posters of Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis in Bhiwandi, Thane.

Meanwhile, quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil rejected Shinde’s appeal for more time to address the Maratha reservation demand and refused to end his indefinite hunger strike. He declared that he would stop consuming water until the state government recognized the entire Maratha community as Kunbi and accommodated them in the OBC category.

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“The fight for the Maratha reservation has reached a do-or-die situation. I cannot step back at any cost,” he said.

Jarange-Patil’s comment came after CM Shinde stated that the all-party meeting held earlier in the day decided that the quota should be given to the Maratha community without affecting the existing quotas of other communities.

The second round of Maratha protests began on October 30 days after activist Patil announced a fast-unto-death until the government fulfilled their demands.

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On Wednesday, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) suspended bus services completely in five Marathwada districts, including Parbhani, Dharashiv, Latur, Jalna, and Nanded, due to the violence. To curb the spread of violence-related rumors, a curfew and internet shutdown were enforced in Jalna district on Tuesday, following a similar measure in Beed district.

All-party meet on Maratha quota

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde convened an all-party meeting on Wednesday to discuss the government’s plans and garner support from opposition leaders.

During the all-party meeting, leaders appealed to Manoj Jarange Patil to end his fast. They unanimously extended support for Maratha reservations while condemning the violence that occurred during the protests.

Also Read:Maratha quota: Bus services suspended in five districts, internet snapped as stir intensifies | Top points

While all political parties united in supporting Maratha reservations, opposition leaders raised concerns about the Centre’s silence on the matter.

“All parties are unanimous on giving reservation to Marathas. Reservations that survive the test of law can be given only after completing the legal formalities and all political parties in the state are ready to work together for this. While action regarding this will be taken at the earliest, it needs to be given the necessary time,” the resolution signed by representatives of all political parties stated.

It further added that the violent incidents in the state taking place during the protests are wrong. “We express deep dislike over this. We appeal (to protesters) to not take the law into their hands and maintain law and order. We appeal to Manoj Jarange Patil to co-operate in these efforts and withdraw his fast,” it said.

The meeting was called by the state government in response to Patil’s hunger strike, where he demanded blanket Kunbi (OBC) certificates for all Marathas, and the subsequent violence in various parts of the state, particularly in Beed district, where houses of elected representatives and government properties were set on fire.

All parties expressed their support for the Maharashtra government, emphasizing the importance of maintaining law and order. During the meeting, Shinde outlined the measures taken by the state government for the Maratha community, while Fadnavis explained the legal status of the case and the curative petition filed in the Supreme Court.