Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray emphasized the need for reservation in jobs and education for the Maratha and Dhangar communities without adversely affecting the existing benefits for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes, stated a report in PTI. This statement comes as a response to the ongoing demands of a section of the Maratha community for inclusion in the OBC category and the Dhangars` quest for Scheduled Tribe status, the report added.

In a plea to the Eknath Shinde government, Thackeray urged them not to jeopardise the life of Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange, who has been on a hunger strike since October 25, and instead, to address the reservation issue. Thackeray stressed the importance of safeguarding the social harmony of the state.