Maratha reservation: Centre calls for peaceful solution

After the agitation by the Maratha community in Maharashtra over reservation in government jobs and education turned violent, Minister of State (MoS) for Home (rural), planning and finance Deepak Kesarkar urged the protestors to solve the issue peacefully.

"I appeal to the people to maintain peace. We can solve it with a peaceful dialogue. 15 lakh pilgrims are in Pandharpur for Wari, they should not face problems," Kesarkar said.

"The reservation issue is still in the court. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has decided that they will keep the seats reserved till it's solved. The Maratha community can discuss peacefully and come to a solution," he added.

The agitation took a steep turn on Monday after a youth committed suicide by jumping into Godavari River amidst the 'Jal samadhi' agitation.

According to the police, Kakasaheb Shinde, a resident of Kaygaon village in Aurangabad district, died due to drowning, after he jumped to his death in the river.

The youth's demise triggered a fresh set of protests in several parts of Maharashtra.

The agitators demanding "martyr" status for Shinde and a compensation of Rs. 50 lakh for his family, blocked the Mumbai-Pune highway.

Earlier on Sunday, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also cancelled his visit to Pandharpur temple following threats of protests.

Besides reservation for the Maratha community, loan waiver, Kopardi rape, unemployment are some of the other issues against which the community is protesting.