The Indian Express (Delhi Edition)
Maratha leaders back demand for Muslim quota
EMERGING ALLIANCE
IN WHAT could perhaps lead to a new alliance in Maharashtra, Maratha community leaders Wednesday made a strong pitch for reservations for Muslims in government jobs.
Maratha leaders praised the Muslim community for extending support to Maratha Kranti Morcha. “They (Muslims) did not just join the marches, but also extended help like giving water and refreshmentstotheparticipants. And this happened across Maharashtra,” said Ajay Bhosale of Sambhaji Brigade, which has been leading the Maratha morchas across the state.
Abid Shaikh, a businessman from Kondhwa, and his friends provided 1.46 lakh water bottles to people taking part in the marches. “We are not attached to any political party. We felt the demands raised by the Maratha communitywerejustandreasonable, and it would be a good gesture if we helped them,” he said.
Bhosale said that like the Maratha community, Muslims too have a large section which is poor and struggling to get jobs and seats in educational institutes. “This is because they have no reservations. The government should provide reservations to Muslims,” he said.
The support extended by the Muslims assumes significance since Dalits have also extended support to Marathas. “Which means, now Marathas, Muslims and Dalits are together and government cannot ignore their demands,” said a Maratha leader.
Dalit leaders like Prakash Ambedkar and Ramdas Athawale have backed the silent Maratha morchas, while denying any plans for counter-marches.
Welcoming the support from the Maratha community, MIM leader Imtiaz Jaleel said, “It is a good development. Muslims have also supported the Marathas on their demand for reservations,” he said.
Jaleel said that the Muslim community, taking a cue from the massive Maratha morchas, is planning to hold similar morchas in Mumbai and other parts of the state. “We are contemplating such morchas in support of our demand for reservations. The morchas are happening, but the schedule is yet to be finalised,” he said.