Don't quit but fight harder for quota: Chavan to oppn MLAs

Maharashtra Congress chief Ashok Chavan today appealed that MLAs from Opposition parties should pursue the demand of reservations for the Maratha community vigorously instead of resigning over the issue.

Bharat Bhalke (Congress) and Bhausaheb Chikatgaonkar and Ramesh Kadam (both NCP) have offered to resign to express solidarity with the cause.

Chavan said instead of resigning, they should pursue the demand with more vigour.

On the other hand, MLAs from the ruling BJPand Shiv Sena should resign from the legislature and put pressure on their government on the issue, Chavan said.

While Harshavardhan Jadhav (Shiv Sena) has resigned, Seema Hiray and Rahul Aher (both BJP) have offered to quit.

Chavan also appealed protesters to express their anger over delay in granting of reservations in a peaceful way.

Authorities were registering false cases against the protesters, he alleged, demanding that such cases be withdrawn.

The government should take decision on the demand of Maratha quota at the earliest, he said.