Mumbai: The Shiv Sena (UBT) has commended Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for effectively managing the five-day protest led by pro-Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil, who was advocating for reservation for the Maratha community within the OBC quota.

The successful negotiation between Jarange-Patil and the state government culminated in an agreement that ended his hunger strike.

In the party's official publication, 'Saamana', the Thackeray faction stated, “The achievement in the Maratha reservation movement is equally attributed to the Chief Minister and Jarange-Patil. The Chief Minister has successfully resolved the issue, bringing the agitation to a positive conclusion.”

This unexpected praise for CM Fadnavis has stirred discussions in Maharashtra's political circles, particularly given the Shiv Sena's previous criticisms of him.

The editorial noted, “Jarange-Patil's hunger strike in Mumbai was pivotal in his quest for Maratha reservation. CM Fadnavis managed the situation with composure, enduring criticism while ultimately addressing the feasible demands, allowing Jarange-Patil and his supporters to return home.”

The editorial further highlighted, “Jarange-Patil's commitment to the Maratha reservation cause was commendable. His determination was crucial; without his strong stance, the Maratha community might not have made any progress. Thus, both he and the Chief Minister deserve recognition for their roles in this struggle.”

The piece continued, “After the High Court imposed a deadline for Jarange-Patil to vacate Mumbai, the situation became precarious. Any resistance from his supporters could have led to legal complications. Consequently, CM Fadnavis acted swiftly to meet most of the protesters' demands, reinforcing his position as the head of the government.”

The Thackeray camp also remarked that this does not diminish the roles of Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar. They acknowledged Shinde as a decent individual but pointed out that Jarange-Patil had previously made harsh remarks about CM Fadnavis. This inconsistency in public perception was noted as perplexing.

The party's publication elaborated that the Maratha Reservation seeks to secure educational and employment opportunities for the Maratha community in Maharashtra, classifying them as Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC). The movement aims to either integrate the Maratha community into the OBC category or establish a distinct quota for them. The demand for such reservations was initially voiced by the late Annasaheb Patil in the 1980s, with the first significant march occurring in Mumbai in 1982. The grassroots movement gained momentum in 1997, receiving backing from political figures like Sharad Pawar and Vilasrao Deshmukh in 2008-09.

According to the Thackeray camp, many Maratha families rely on agriculture, and the push for reservation stems from economic hardships and a troubling rate of farmer suicides, with 94% of affected farmers being Marathas. Pro-Maratha activists have pointed to the community's underrepresentation in education and government roles, arguing that the lack of development in regions like Marathwada and Vidarbha has left the youth with limited career options, primarily in government jobs.