09 September,2026 04:25 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar (File pic)
Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar on Wednesday said that the Maharashtra government did not want to send a delegation to meet Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange, as it does not want a further loss of face.
According to PTI, the prominent Other Backward Classes (OBC) leader also said that the Maratha community's demand for reservation in jobs and education must satisfy constitutional norms.
Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange is on a hunger strike for demands related to reservation for the Maratha community for the last 11 days.
Wadettiwar on Wednesday said that the government repeatedly bowed before him earlier, and now it is avoiding sending a delegation to meet him because "it is afraid of a further loss of face," as per PTI.
When asked whether the Maratha community should get reservation, Wadettiwar said, "The Constitution of our country is supreme. If someone is demanding something that goes beyond the Constitution, then whether the government should grant it and cross the constitutional limits is for the government to decide."
Notably, OBC leaders in the state are opposed to Marathas getting Kunbi caste certificates, which will enable them to get reservation in the OBC quota.
When asked about the statement of Amruta Fadnavis, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's wife, that festivals are inclusive and there is nothing wrong if a Muslim person attends the celebrations, Wadettiwar said her stand was welcome.
The Congress leader further added, "But her statement will carry some weight if she convinces Devendra Fadnavis to keep Nitesh Rane out of the Cabinet," as per PTI.
Furthermore, Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane on Monday also supported the VHP, alleging that "love jihad" cases tend to increase during such festivals and asserting that those who do not follow idol worship should not participate in Hindu religious events.
Speaking on the rain situation in Maharashtra, Wadettiwar said there is a drought in 19 districts. Many talukas haven't had rain for 35 to 40 days, and crops are under threat. Parbhani district has not received rain for 44 days, the Congress leader further added.
Half the dams in the state would likely run dry in the next two to three months, he said, adding that the government should focus on farmers.
Congress leaders would be meeting the Governor on the issue of drought and the issues of tribals and OBCs, he said.
(With inputs from PTI)
