Maharashtra’s deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has launched a blistering attack on Sharad Pawar, Nana Patole, and Uddhav Thackeray, challenging them to clarify their stand on the contentious issue of Maratha reservation under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category.
At a recent conclave organised by News18 India in Mumbai, Fadnavis demanded that leaders of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) stop dodging the issue and provide clarity to the Maratha community.
Accusing the leaders of playing political games with the aspirations of the Maratha community, Fadnavis said: “I challenge Sharad Pawar, Nana Patole, and Uddhav Thackeray to come forward and state their position clearly. The Maratha community deserves to know where you stand on their demand for inclusion in the OBC category.”
The deputy chief minister highlighted BJP’s efforts to secure 10 per cent reservation for the Marathas during their time in power, acknowledging the legal challenges that have ensued. However, he was quick to shift focus to the MVA, questioning their lack of clarity and action on the matter.
“Our decision may have faced legal hurdles, but at least we acted decisively. What has the MVA done? Nothing but hide behind vague promises and empty rhetoric,” Fadnavis asserted, portraying the Opposition as indifferent to the Maratha community’s needs.
Fadnavis was particularly scathing in his criticism of NCP chief Sharad Pawar, accusing the veteran leader of prioritising political manoeuvring over the welfare of the Marathas.
“Pawar has mastered the art of sitting on the fence, making grand statements without committing to anything. It’s time he and his allies stop deceiving the people and come clean on where they really stand,” he charged, suggesting that the MVA leaders are more concerned with maintaining their political alliances than with delivering justice to the Maratha community.
The BJP leader also took aim at Congress’s Nana Patole and Sena’s Uddhav Thackeray, accusing them of lacking the political courage to take a definitive stand.
“Patole talks big, but where is his action? And Thackeray — he’s more interested in saving his chair than standing up for the Marathas,” Fadnavis remarked.
As the Maratha reservation issue continues to be a flashpoint in Maharashtra’s politics, Fadnavis’s aggressive stance has put the MVA on the defensive, forcing them to confront an issue they have long tried to sidestep. With the state assembly elections approaching, Fadnavis’s challenge has set the stage for a fierce political showdown, where the Maratha community’s support could be the decisive factor.
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