Maratha Quota Issue: CM Eknath Shinde's 'Just..Get It Out Of The Way' Comment Sparks Outrage

In a significant setback for Maharashtra's Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, an unsettling video has recently surfaced, exposing what appears to be his dismissive attitude towards the Maratha quota issue.

In the video, recorded just moments before a press conference following an all-party meeting on the matter, Shinde can be heard making the seemingly nonchalant remark, "We just need to speak and get it out of the way and leave, right?"

To this, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar responds with a non-committal "Yes."

However, it's Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis who alerts them to the fact that the microphone is still live.

The video has elicited sharp criticism from both the opposition and Maratha advocacy groups, who argue that it exposes the state government's cavalier approach to the important quota issue.

Shinde later attempted to clarify the situation by claiming that the clip had been "doctored" and that the video was a "mischievous attempt to tarnish the government's image."

Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar, the leader of the opposition in the state assembly, remarked, "This incident exemplifies the government's casual and unserious approach to this matter. It has deeply wounded the sentiments of the Maratha community."

Wadettiwar questioned, "Is this the level of sensitivity these individuals exhibit towards the Maratha agitation?"

Aaditya Thackeray, a prominent Shiv Sena (UBT) leader, added his criticism by saying, "This behavior reflects the mentality of betrayers. Over the past 1.5 years, we have been subjected to a stream of falsehoods. Can any citizen, let alone a member of the Maratha community, trust this government?"

Maratha leader Vinod Patil expressed his condemnation of the incident, warning, "I condemn this...If the government is not serious, the community will finally show the government its place."