BJP MLAs in Maharashtra will reach out to the Maratha community members in their constituencies, appealing them to desist from resorting to violence and committing suicide for the quota cause, a minister said today.
A meeting of state ministers and party MLAs to discuss the simmering issue was convened today by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis here.
"The BJP MLAs would appeal to the Maratha community to desist from (participating) in any violent protest and committing suicides," Education Minister Vinod Tawde told reporters after attending the meeting.
The Marathas have been holding violent protests for 16 per cent reservation in government jobs and education.
The community leaders have threatened to intensify their protests from August 9 onwards.
Around six persons from the Maratha community are believed to have ended their life for the quota cause, according to police.
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"Our MLAs will apprise the community members about various schemes of the state government that would benefit the needy people from the community. Every MLA will set up a help centre in his or her constituency to extend the support to the community. These centres will disseminate information related to schemes and programmes useful for the girl students," Tawde said.
All the MLAs have expressed their support to the Maratha quota demand, he said, adding that no MLA from the BJP has tendered his resignation in connection with the quota demand.
In the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly, the BJP has maximum 122 MLAs.
At least six MLAs from various parties, including from the BJP, Shiv Sena, Congress and NCP, had tendered their resignations for the quota demand.
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