Sule Calls for Special Maharashtra Session on Maratha Quota Issue

Quick Summary

• NCP-SP leader Supriya Sule called for a special session of the Maharashtra State Legislature and an all-party meeting to address Maratha quota protests.
• The protests have intensified, with Manoj Jarange observing a hunger strike at Azad Maidan since Friday (August 29, 2025).
• Ms. Sule visited Azad Maidan to meet Jarange after reports of his fasting-induced drowsiness. Upon her return, Maratha protesters blocked her car and raised slogans against Sharad Pawar.
• Ms. Sule stated that no one opposes reservation for the Maratha community and urged the Cabinet to take a decision.
• Demonstrators also requested better lighting and sanitation facilities at Azad Maidan.
• Ms. Sule pointed out that leaders accusing Sharad Pawar of neglecting Maratha issues were themselves in power during past congress-NCP governments.

Indian Opinion Analysis
The developments surrounding the Maratha quota protests highlight both public frustration and political tensions in Maharashtra over this longstanding issue of reservation policy. Supriya Sule’s call for a special legislature session reflects an effort to seek institutional solutions through dialog among political parties rather than escalating street-level confrontations further.

While Jarange’s hunger strike underscores the gravity of protestors’ demands, tensions flared when demonstrators blocked Ms.Sule’s car – showcasing divisions within ideological allegiances as slogans targeted influential figures like Sharad pawar amid debates over past governance decisions.

The issue underscores deeper systemic challenges in balancing caste-based reservations with socio-economic realities while managing intra-political blame-shifting. Immediate steps such as sanitation improvements at protest venues may offer symbolic responses but do little toward resolving structural contention that requires cohesive action among state leaders.

Read More: The Hindu