Mumbai: Chhatrapati Shivaji’s descendants Sambhajiraje and Udayanraje on Monday declared that they are on the same page on the issue of restoration of Maratha reservation. Udayanraje said the state government should convene a special session of the state legislature to take an early decision saying that he will see what the Centre has to do so that the quota passes the test of law. They, however, slammed the Shiv Sena-led Maha Vikas Aghadi government and warned that its inaction may spark violence in the state which would be quite difficult to control.
Sambhajiraje’s meeting took place ahead of his announcement on sit-in protest from June 16 to press for the restoration of Maratha reservation which was scrapped by the Supreme Court through its order on May 5.
“The state government lacks the will to find a solution to the reservation issue. If it continues to delay the decision on the demands of the Maratha community, it will lead to violence. The government will be responsible. We will not be able to stop the violence. If we try to pacify the agitators, we also might be attacked,” said Udayanraje after his meeting with Sambhajiraje.
On his part, Sambhajiraje reiterated that their demands for the supernumerary system, strengthening Sarathi and Annasaheb Patil Mahamandal, setting up hostels for the Maratha community and providing scholarships, all come within the purview of the state government.
He also urged the government to seek clarification from the Supreme Court regarding the jobs of those who were selected before the interim stay order on Maratha reservation in September last year.
