Maratha Reservation Rally: Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde met Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil on Saturday in Navi Mumbai`s Vashi where he and thousands of protestors were camping seeking reservations for the community. Jarange, who had begun his fast on Friday, was fed a glass of juice by CM Shinde as a mark of him ending his hunger strike. Jarange had stopped at the outskirts of Mumbai on Friday and presented new demands. The government engaged in talks with him late last night. Both CM Shinde and Jarange paid homage to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj`s statue at the campsite before the latter ended his fast. The excitement among the protestors was palpable who cheered on Jarange and CM Shinde for agreeing to their demands, stated reports. The protestors dubbed it as a historic moment.

The Maharastra State Backward Class Commission submitted its report on the social and financial conditions of the Maratha community to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Feb 16. The report was submitted by the Commission`s Chairman, retired justice Sunil Shukre, in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The report will be presented in a cabinet meeting during the special assembly session called for February 20.