Nine days from today onwards is the deadline set by Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati, for the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government to resolve the issue of Maratha reservation besides the demands being made by the community. If no solution is in sight, the descendant of much-revered Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj from Kolhapur will announce his next move from the historic Raigad Fort on June 6, the day of coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Addressing the much-publicised presser in Mumbai on Friday, Sambhajiraje, refrained from announcing his resignation from the Rajya Sabha, the berth given to him by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) five years ago. Instead, he said, he is ready to resign if it was going to solve the issue of reservation. Another important issue he touched upon was the formation of a new political party. “If it is the wish of all (those who are fighting for the cause) a new political party can be announced," he said.
To resolve the issue, Sambhajiraje suggested three options to the state government. One- the state can file a fool-proof review petition in the Supreme Court; two- if it fails to yield desired result, a curative petition can be filed, and thirdly- state can approach the President of India through the state governor under article 342 (a) of the Constitution by submitting a proposal.
In an impassioned appeal, Sambhajiraje, who met NCP chief Sharad Pawar, MNS chief Raj Thackeray, leader of opposition Devendra Fadnavis, minister Balasaheb Thorat and Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray with his cabinet colleague Ashok Chavan during his two-day stay in Mumbai, said all the political parties should come together for the 70 per cent poor Marathas.
The ultimatum given by Sambhajiraje is for the five demands he made during his meeting with CM Thackeray. Those are- the state should issue joining orders for the candidates selected for the government jobs up to September 9, 2020. A fund of Rs 1000 cr to be allocated for SARATHI, the institution specially established for Marathas. And, the state should ensure that Rs 25 lakh, instead of Rs 10 lakh sanctioned at present, is given as loan to start new business ventures through Annasaheb Patil Economically Backward Development Corporation. This corporation askes the candidates to mortgage their land, which in many cases is not available. The state should give momentum for construction of hostels for students in each district. Lastly, the government should offer concessions and facilities available to OBC students for Marathas.
