Speaking after inaugurating the Maratha community conference of Dharwad, Gadag, and Haveri districts organised by Akhil Bharathiya Maratha Mahasabha here on Monday, he said Marathis in the state that too in North Karnataka had a big population and they had mixed with localites and adjusted to their culture.
Under these circumstances, it was not correct to rake up the border issue in the name of Marathis. The need of the hour was unification of Marathis and emerging as a strong political force.
Mr Sindhia noted that when Late D Devaraj Urs was the chief minister, he had given clarion call for the unification of Marathis and subsequently the same feeling echoed in All India Kshatriya Samavesha held in Hubli. But in spite of this, there was no much of a response from anybody. They did not have existence if they failed to give impetus for unity among themselves. Although Marathis were rich in culture, they were economically backward. Most of them had been poor and working as agriculturists and agricultural labourers. They did not have proper education. They should work for providing education to the youth. At the same time, they had to fight for including Marathis under the Backward Classes ‘A’ category.
Akhil Bharathiya Maratha Mahasangh President Narendra Annasaheb Patil said Marathis had made rich contribution in the development of nation and whenever there was a threat to the nation, they had responded positively. Unfortunately, all political parties use the community whenever needed and later neglect them in spite of the rich history that they have.
Sri Brahmananda Mahaswamiji of Shivalli, former mayor of Belgaum Sambhaji Patil, Akhil Bharathiya Maratha Mahasangh Youth Unit National President Nanasahebkote Patil, former MLA, Mr Marutirao Pawar and Karnataka Zone Mahasangh President Shyamsundar Gaekwad also spoke. Mr Keshav Yadav, Mr Srinivas Mane, Mr Prahladrao Kadam and Mr Arun Jadhav were present.