Two Members of Parliament (MPs) affiliated with the Shiv Sena, representing the constituencies of Nashik and Hingoli in Maharashtra, have tendered their resignations in a display of solidarity with the Maratha community's demand for reservation. Notably, both MPs are known for their allegiance to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and their resignations reflect their commitment to this pressing issue.
Hingoli's MP, Hemant Patil, formally submitted his resignation to the Lok Sabha secretariat in New Delhi on a Monday, while Nashik's MP, Hemant Godse, forwarded his resignation letter directly to Chief Minister Shinde.
Regarding this action, Patil explained that he delivered his resignation letter to the office secretary since the Lok Sabha Speaker was not available at the time. He emphasized the significance of this move by acknowledging that he had received confirmation of his resignation.
What sets Patil's resignation apart is the circumstances in which it occurred. When halted by protestors in Yavatmal, who sought clarity on his stance regarding the reservation demand, Patil responded swiftly by drafting his resignation letter on the spot and delivering it to the demonstrators.
In response to Supriya Sule, the working president of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) belonging to the Sharad Pawar faction, who viewed Patil's resignation as a theatrical gesture, Patil maintained his stance. He asserted that he does not hail from a political dynasty like the Nehru-Gandhi family and suggested that leaders from established political families should have taken the lead in addressing the reservation matter. Patil added that if leaders are genuinely concerned about the Maratha community, they should follow suit by resigning.
Patil highlighted the long-standing struggle of the Maratha community to secure reservations and the absence of any concrete outcomes despite several leaders from the community ascending to the position of chief minister.
Meanwhile, in Nashik, Shiv Sena MP Hemant Godse composed his resignation letter when Maratha demonstrators, engaged in a fast, called upon him to clarify his position on the reservation issue. He dispatched the resignation letter to Chief Minister Shinde, concurrently urging swift action to grant reservations to the Maratha community.
In his correspondence, Godse acknowledged the Maratha community's persistent quest for reservations, emphasizing that previous attempts had faltered in the legal sphere. He praised Chief Minister Shinde's dedicated attention to the reservation issue after taking office and referenced the assurance he provided during a public event.
Regrettably, the government has been unable to resolve the reservation matter within the specified time frame set by Manoj Jarange, an advocate for reservations based in Jalna, who commenced an indefinite hunger strike. Concerned about the deteriorating health of Jarange and mindful of the profound sentiments of the Maratha community, Godse made the decision to step down as a Member of Parliament.
In sum, these resignations by two Shiv Sena MPs underscore the fervent pursuit of reservation rights for the Maratha community and reflect the complexities and urgency surrounding this issue.
