Ch. Sambhajinagar: Prominent politician Sharad Pawar, while stressing the importance of dialogue, admitted his mistake three decades ago in renaming Marathwada University when he was Chief Minister.
Pawar held a press conference in the city and commented on the Maratha quota and the prevailing atmosphere of mistrust in the society over the issue.
He advised the government to maintain a dialogue with the people. Pawar admitted that he made the same mistake three decades ago with the renaming of Marathwada University. He said, “Marathwada University was renamed after I discussed the issue with state legislators. This had an adverse impact on Marathwada. Some poor people suffered. I realised the mistake that I had simply given an order on the name change from Mumbai.
“Some people were against the decision. I did not speak to them. So I cancelled all my programmes and went straight to Marathwada. I spoke to the students of all the colleges there. I had positive discussions with them. Almost a year later, the opponents approved our decision. A similar situation prevails in Marathwada today. The young generation must be confident. We will certainly maintain a dialogue with them.”
“Maratha quota leader Manoj Jarange is also in favour of quotas for Muslims, Lingayats and Dhangars. This will reduce the gap between these communities. It is good that the chief minister and his representatives are in touch with Jarange Patil. However, questions are being raised over the meetings of some ministers with opponents of the Maratha quota. The state government should treat everything with transparency. CM Eknath Shinde is holding a discussion with Jarange while sending OBC leaders to Bhujbal. Some people are not taken into confidence. This leads to an atmosphere of mistrust.
“The state government should bring together the OBC and Maratha leaders. We will also help the government in talks, if required. A collective effort will create social harmony.”
He had earlier said that state leaders should take the lead in resolving the issue in the state. There was no point in taking it to Delhi. His party was in favour of discussions. There could be no two opinions on reservations. “I am worried that the gap between the two communities will widen. Care needs to be taken in two or three districts of Marathwada. Members of one community do not visit the restaurant run by a member of another community. If it is true, it is worrying. This should change. We will try to unite the communities after the Parliament session is over,” Pawar said.
