Maharashtra: Opposition boycotts Assembly session over Muslim quota row

The opposition benches on Wednesday  remained empty as the members boycotted Maharashtra Assembly proceedings on the last day of winter session over the issue of no reservation to Muslims in education and government jobs.

The Assembly had on Tuesday passed a bill providing 16% reservation for the Maratha community in education and government jobs but it left out the Muslims, leading to a vociferous protest by the opposition. The entire opposition, including Congress, NCP, SP and MIM, had demanded that the bill should provide reservation for Muslims too. Later, they had staged a walk-out. The opposition members had said they would also boycott the proceedings on Wednesday. 

The Congress and NCP members stuck to their decision of boycotting the session and the House witnessed empty opposition benches on Wednesday. 

However, the treasury benches went ahead with the usual business of the House. Criticising the decision not to grant reservation to Muslims, MLC Manikrao Thakre (of Congress) told reporters outside the state Legislature that they will not allow the Upper House to run. Thakre alleged that the government was biased on the issue. He was supported by Leader of Opposition in state Council Dhananjay Munde (NCP), Jogendra Kawade (RPI) and others.