Large processions were taken out by Maratha community in the major cities in Maharashtra.
Voicing support for reservation to the economically backward classes in Maharashtra, Union minister of state for social justice and empowerment Ramdas Athavale today said, "I support reservation for those who are economically backward. And it's not just for Marathas, I support similar demands for those among Jats, Patels, Rajputs too."
For the last few weeks, lakhs of people among the politically dominant Maratha community in Maharashtra have taken to streets demanding reservation in jobs.
"The state government is in favour of reservation for Marathas but the court turned it down," he told reporters, assuring that he would take up the issue at the centre.
Nine large processions -- called "Maratha Kranti Muk (silent) Morcha" were held in the major cities in the state. Two more were held on Wednesday in Solapur and Navi Mumbai. Another significant one is scheduled in Ahmednagar on September 23.
Apart from seeking reservation, the another demand of Marathas has been scrapping the Prevention of Atrocities Act that includes prosecution and arrest without the possibility of bail for cases against members of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
Dismissing this demand by the Maratha community, Minister Athavale said that the act gives much needed protection to the SC/ST community.
"I have heard some people also misuse it. That should be dealt with seriously but it doesn't justify doing away with the law," he said.
Mr Athawale has proposed to hold a joint meeting on October 7 in Shirdi, where representatives of both Marathas as well as Dalits are expected to participate.