Maratha Quota Protest News: Protesters Set Fire to NCP MLA Prakashdada Solanke's House in Beed District 

Maratha Quota Protest Latest News: Amid the persisting protests calling for Maratha reservation, the residence of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLA Prakash Solanke was subjected to a violent attack in Maharashtra's Beed district on Monday. The incident unfolded as an audio clip of the MLA went viral, during which he allegedly commented on the Maratha reservation movement and made indirect remarks regarding hunger strike activist Manor Jarange.

Authorities Investigate Arson and Stone-Pelting Incident as Maratha Community Advocates Demand Inclusion in OBC Category

The Attack on MLA Prakash Solanke's residence involved the torching of his house and a car parked in Majalgaon, where the legislator hails from. In the controversial audio clip, Solanke is purportedly heard downplaying the Maratha reservation issue, remarking that "this issue has become child's play." Solanke is part of the NCP, which is led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.

It remains unclear whether the legislators were present at the house during the attack, which occurred at around 11 am. An official statement explained, "The incident occurred after an audio clip of MLA Solanke discussing the Maratha reservation issue went viral, prompting a local-level bandh. Some individuals resorted to arson, setting fire to the MLA's house, a car, and pelting stones."

In response to the incident, Solanke told a news channel that he was present in Majalgaon at the time. He described the situation, stating, "Agitators surrounded my house from all sides, and no one was willing to listen. Stones were hurled at my residence, and vehicles were set ablaze. I stand firmly by the demand for Maratha reservation. I have been elected four times with the support of the Maratha community, and I am a Maratha MLA."

The Maratha community has been engaged in ongoing protests, advocating for reservation in government jobs and educational institutions under the backward class (OBC) category. The movement gained momentum when social activist Manor Jarange initiated an indefinite hunger strike on October 25 in Antarwali Sarati village in Jalna, marking the second phase of the protests. In response to Jarange's appeal, several villages have barred the entry of political party leaders.

Meanwhile, social activist Manoj Jarange, currently on an indefinite hunger strike in Jalna district, has declined a health check-up. Jalna Executive Civil Surgeon Dr. Pratap Ghodke expressed concerns about the potential impact of extended fasting on Jarange's vital organs and overall health. He revealed that the district magistrate and medical personnel have been in frequent contact with Jarange, but the hunger striker has consistently refused medical examinations and treatment. The refusal raises concerns of kidney and brain health, potential low blood sugar levels, and dehydration.

Dr. Ghodke mentioned that Jarange's family doctor and other medical professionals are being consulted, and villagers plan to request him to seek medical treatment while continuing his hunger strike. The Maharashtra government has reiterated its commitment to providing reservation for the Maratha community while acknowledging the legal complexities involved in the process.