Maratha, OBC quota row: Maharashtra CM vows to prevent caste tensions

The Maharashtra government will ensure that caste tension doesn't erupt in society, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said on Saturday against the backdrop of Marathas and OBCs firming up their stands on reservations.

Shinde thanked OBC activist Laxman Hake and others for withdrawing their indefinite fast following the government intervention.

"We will ensure there is no caste tension in the society," Shinde told reporters in Nashik.

Activists Hake and Navnath Waghmare were observing fast since June 13 demanding that the OBC quota not be diluted. They called off their agitation on Saturday after a government delegation called on them.

Shinde, who chaired a meeting of OBC leaders in Mumbai on Friday, said an all-party meeting will be convened in the first week of the monsoon session beginning June 27.

"A good discussion was held on the issue yesterday," he added.

The government has decided to convene the meeting to discuss the issue of extending reservations to "sage-soyare" or the kin