Maharashtra: Pro-Maratha Reservation Protestors Set NCP MLA Prakash Solanke's Residence On Fire

Beed: Pro-Maratha reservation protestors set ablaze the residence of Prakash Solanke, an MLA from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in Beed, Maharashtra, on Monday. Solanke confirmed the safety of himself and his family, although the incident resulted in significant property damage. "I was present at home when the attack took place. Thankfully, none of my family or staff sustained any injuries. However, the property has suffered substantial damage due to the fire," Solanke stated.

This incident occurred concurrently with activist Manoj Jarange's indefinite fast that commenced on October 25 at Antarwali Sarati village in Jalna district. Jarange is advocating for the Maratha community's cause during his protest.

महाराष्ट्र में मराठा आरक्षण आंदोलन हुआ उग्र, भीड़ ने NCP विधायक का घर जलाया#Maharashtra #NCP #MarathaArakshan | @priyasi90 pic.twitter.com/KIzPjDxddW

— Zee News (@ZeeNews) October 30, 2023

Reacting to the incident, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said, "Manoj Jarange Patil (Maratha reservation activist) should take note of the fact what turn this protest is taking. It is going in the wrong direction." He also cautioned people against inciting violence in the name of Maratha reservation and said that due to certain people, suspicion is being cast on the entire movement.

"Those who are involved in violence should also keep in mind that it also harms the Maratha society and their families will also suffer due to it," the chief minister said. Meanwhile, NCP Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule blamed the failure of the Home Minister and the state government.

"This is a complete failure of the Home Minister of Maharashtra and the government. This is the failure of triple-engine government in Maharashtra. Today an MLA's house is set on fire, what is the Home Ministry and Home Minister doing? It is their responsibility," Sule said.

A crucial meeting of the Maharashtra sub-committee was held today to discuss the Maratha reservation issue. After the meeting, Chief Minister Shinde said that the government has formed an advisory board under the leadership of various retired Judges to look into the matter.

The meeting was attended by BJP ministers Chandrakant Dada Patil, Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, Minister Shambhuraj Desai, Dada Bhuse from Shiv Sena Eknath Shinde faction, Minister Dilip Walse Patil from Nationalist Congress (Ajit Pawar faction). Manoj Jarange Patil, who works as a coordinator for the Maratha Morcha, is on a hunger strike unto death demanding reservation for the Maratha community.