Mete for statewide rallies to press for SEBC quota

Aurangabad: Vinayak Mete, the BJP-backed MLC from Beed and Shiv Sangram leader, on Thursday announced that the Maratha community would take out rallies in different parts of the state to press for SEBC quota once the Covid-related curbs are relaxed from May 16.

Mete, who held a meeting with some of the community leaders in Beed — against the backdrop of the Supreme Court striking down the Socially and Educationally Backward Classes Act — has said that his hometown would hold the maiden rally.

After the meeting, Mete told the local media that on Friday, he would submit a memorandum to the state government in support of the reservation to Maratha community and issue an ultimatum about the statewide rallies from May 16.

Earlier, he had demanded the resignation of Maharashtra PWD minister Ashok Chavan, who headed the sub-committee for Maratha reservation.

“People from the Maratha community who care about their future generations should join our agitation against the state government in whatever capacity they find suitable. We will fight for our rights in a democratic manner and by following all Covid prevention norms,” Mete said.

Maratha Kranti Morcha distances itself from Mete’s agitation

However, the Maratha Kranti Morcha, the outfit which was at the forefront of organising more than 50 such rallies to press for the Maratha reservation — including the first rally held in Aurangabad on August 9, 2016 — has distanced itself from Mete’s stand.

Ravindra Kale, the state convener of Maratha Kranti Morcha, on Thursday said Mete was a political figure who has allegedly not been actively associated with the movement in the past five years. “Currently, we are discussing rulings of the apex court with legal experts. Our immediate stand will be to seek immediate available legal remedy. Later, we will decide on whether to take to the streets or protest in front of houses of public representatives,” he said.


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