Mumbai: Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has appealed to the Maratha community to refrain from protesting against the Supreme Court decision of an interim stay on implementation of the newly introduced Maratha reservation quota in college admissions. Thackeray cited the reason for the COVID-19 outbreak in the state for the community to stay away from protests and on the other hand assured the community that the state government is firmly supporting their demand and fighting the legal battle to get a decision in their favour.
Thackeray made this appeal while addressing the citizens of the state. He also appealed that no political party or group should spread any misinformation about the reservation decision and the state government's role in it. "We have not been unsuccessful in arguing our case before the court. The Supreme Court has granted interim stay on the implementation of the reservation but has allowed us to approach a bigger bench. We will definitely win this battle," he stated.
Thackeray said, "Your feelings and ours are no different. If the government does not listen to your demands, then you can definitely protest. But that is not the case now. So why take to the streets? The state government is defending your demands with perseverance, confidence and aggression. We are working with senior lawyers to finalize the roadmap. The government is with you and hence I am requesting you to not protest especially during the COVID-19 crisis period."
CM Thackeray said, "Last time, all the parties in the legislature unanimously supported the Maratha reservation. At that time we were in power with BJP. The Indian National Congress and Nationalist Congress Party were in the opposition then. Although the picture has changed today, all parties are still supporting Maratha reservation."
"I have discussed this matter with Ashok Chavan, Balasaheb Thorat, Ajit Pawar, Jayant Patil through video calls. These leaders have also held discussions with various organizations. We take into account the views of all and decide what argument to make in the court. I have spoken to the Leader of the Opposition also. He is in Bihar presently, but has assured that they are also with the government on this issue," he explained.
