Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed his delight as the Maratha reservation hunger strike concluded peacefully on Tuesday. Speaking to the media, the CM praised the cabinet sub-committee and his deputy chief ministers, Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, for their pivotal roles in resolving the long-standing agitation.
“I’m thrilled that the hunger strike has ended today. I extend my heartfelt thanks to our cabinet sub-committee for their excellent work, along with my colleagues, Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar,” Fadnavis said, as reported by news agency PTI.
The core demand of the Maratha protesters centered on using the Hyderabad Gazetteer as evidence to establish eligibility for reservation benefits. Fadnavis clarified that while the government fully supports this demand, legal and procedural requirements must be met. “The protesters wanted the Hyderabad Gazetteer implemented for everyone at once, but we explained that reservations are granted to individuals, not groups. Each person must provide proof to claim the benefit,” he noted.
The CM highlighted the significance of the Hyderabad Gazetteer as a vital document for Marathas seeking reservation. “If an individual’s grandfather or great-grandfather is listed in the Hyderabad Gazetteer under the Kulbhi caste, they can secure a certificate and access reservation benefits as per the rules,” Fadnavis explained. This step, he emphasized, ensures a fair and legally sound process for granting Maratha quota benefits.
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