Maratha reservation: Fadnavis says 'ready for talks'

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has said that the government is ready for a dialogue with Sakal Maratha Samaj.

"Government is always ready for a dialogue with Sakal Marathan Samaj," Fadnavis said.

"Whatever apprehensions Sakal Maratha Samaaj has about the mega recruitment, the same too can be resolved through proper dialogue and an all-acceptable solution can be reached," he added.

The Chief Minister asserted that they have taken many positive decisions for the community and if there is any shortcoming in any scheme's implementation then it could be resolved through proper dialogue.

Fadnavis appealed the protesters to shunt violence and come on board for "constructive dialogue'.

Meanwhile, former Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan blamed the state government of deceiving people.

"There's no question of us taking political benefit. Till when you'll deceive people in name of discussions?," Chavan said.

The Maratha community has been protesting across Maharashtra demanding reservation in government jobs and education.

The quota for Marathas has been a highly contentious issue, with the community comprising of around 30% of the state's population.

In 2017, a huge rally was held by the Maratha Kranti Morcha in the same connection in Mumbai.

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