Maratha Reservation Protest: NCP MLA's House Set On Fire, Maha CM Shinde Promises Quota Approval In Cabinet Meeting

The ongoing protest for Maratha reservation escalated into violence on Monday (30 November) when some demonstrators set fire to the residence of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLA Prakash Solanke in the Majalgaon area of Maharashtra's Beed.

The Maratha agitation has intensified, especially after quota activist Manoj Jarange began an indefinite fast on 25 October in Antarwali Sarati village in Jalna district, marking the second phase of the protest. Jarange has also declined to undergo a health check-up.

Solanke, whose Beed residence was targeted, stated according to Times of India, "I was inside my home when it was attacked. Fortunately, none of my family members or staff were injured. We are all safe, but there is significant property damage due to the fire."

The protesters also set fire to the vehicles parked on the premises. In response to the incident, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde remarked, "Manoj Jarange Patil (Maratha reservation activist) should take note of the fact that this protest is taking a wrong turn."

Shinde also confirmed that the report of the Justice Shinde committee regarding Maratha reservation would be formally accepted during the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday. The revenue department will issue Kunbi caste certificates following this decision. The Maharashtra government has reiterated its commitment to providing Maratha reservation that can withstand legal scrutiny.