Nanded, Oct 22: In a scathing attack on the state government’s recent advertisement regarding Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), senior Congress leader and former state chief minister Ashok Chavan expressed his concerns over the government’s stance on Maratha community reservation. Chavan questioned whether the government’s suggestion, as implied in the advertisement, is that the Maratha community should opt for the 10 percent reservation in EWS rather than insisting on a separate reservation.
Chavan found the advertisement regrettable, stating, “Take advantage of the opportunity we have given you with a pure heart,” referring to the government’s message in the ad. He raised the question of whether the government is subtly advising the Maratha community to choose the 10 percent EWS reservation over their demand for a dedicated reservation.
Highlighting the central government’s amendment that provided constitutional protection for 10 percent reservation to EWS, Chavan argued that similar protection should be extended to Maratha reservation. He reiterated his demand for a constitutional amendment in Parliament to relax the 50 percent reservation limit.
Chavan’s critique underscores the ongoing debate and demands for equitable reservation policies in the state, adding fuel to the discussion on the constitutional protection of reservations for various communities.”
