Archive · 16 Sep 2026
Shinde Promises Maratha Justice Within Legal Constitutional Limits
Eknath Shinde said Maharashtra wants to help the Maratha community without taking rights away from other groups.
The government is talking with activist Manoj Jarange-Patil about the community’s demands.
Some of these issues are still being decided by courts.
Maharashtra has already created a 10% reservation for Marathas through a special lawmaking session.
An earlier reservation had been challenged and could not continue after legal proceedings.
Shinde said the government is also trying to help 5,300 young people whose jobs are delayed by court orders.
The state has increased loans, built hostels and offered scholarships.
It is also issuing certificates to people with verified Kunbi records.
Shinde asked protesters to cooperate and avoid disrupting Ganeshotsav celebrations.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said Maratha demands can be addressed without disadvantaging OBCs or other communities.
The government is consulting activist Manoj Jarange-Patil while some reservation matters remain before the courts.
Maharashtra granted a 10% Maratha reservation through a special legislative session after an earlier reservation faced legal challenges.
Shinde defended efforts to secure appointments for 5,300 candidates affected by judicial stays.
The state has expanded economic assistance, hostels, scholarships and Kunbi-record certificates for Maratha community members.
- Who
- Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, the state government, Maratha community representatives and activist Manoj Jarange-Patil.
- What
- The government outlined its efforts to address Maratha reservation demands while protecting OBC and other communities’ interests.
- When
- Shinde made the statements on Tuesday; the article does not specify the date.
- Where
- Maharashtra, including Mumbai.
- Why
- To discuss Maratha reservations, delayed appointments, support measures and the need to resolve pending issues within legal and constitutional limits.
Government Position
Protesters’ Position
Reservation demands
Government Position
The government says it has taken extensive steps for Maratha reservation within legal and constitutional limits and has maintained a positive stance.
Protesters’ Position
Maratha quota activists continue pressing the government to resolve their outstanding demands, including matters that remain before the courts.
Impact on other communities
Government Position
Shinde says justice for Marathas should not create injustice for OBCs or any other community.
Protesters’ Position
The article does not provide a specific OBC or other-community response to the government’s position.
Public demonstrations
Government Position
Shinde urged protesters to adopt a positive stance and avoid disrupting Ganeshotsav, citing the convenience of citizens and devotees.
Protesters’ Position
The article describes continuing agitation by Maratha quota activists but does not state their response to the appeal.
- Current reservation
- Maharashtra granted the Maratha community 10% reservation through a special legislative session.
- Earlier reservation
- A reservation decision taken in 2014 was later upheld at 12% in education and 13% in jobs before it could not be sustained.
- Affected candidates
- The government is taking a firm stance on 5,300 candidates whose appointments were stalled by judicial stays.
- Government dialogue
- Officials, including the chief minister, ministers, district collectors and police superintendents, are in dialogue with Manoj Jarange-Patil.
- Support measures
- The state has increased the Annasaheb Patil Economic Development Corporation’s loan limit, built hostels and offered overseas-education scholarships.
- Kunbi certificates
- The Justice Shinde Committee issues certificates to people with verified Kunbi records, benefiting lakhs of citizens.
- Ganeshotsav appeal
- Shinde urged organisers to ensure upcoming Ganeshotsav celebrations are not disrupted.