Maratha quota:Vikhe Patil assures push for Hyderabad gazetteer implementation

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: BJP minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, who heads the cabinet sub-committee on Maratha reservation, on Wednesday assured an official push for the implementation of the Hyderabad gazetteer to offer Kunbi-OBC reservation benefits to the Maratha community.Addressing reporters at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Vikhe Patil said more time would be granted to the three-member panels formed at the village level for verification of such applications. "I recently reviewed the progress of the implementation of Hyderabad gazetteer. I have warned officials of action if any delay is observed," he said.Referring to a group of leaders from the Maratha community approaching him, Vikhe Patil said key demands, including reintroducing EWS benefits to the SEBC category and setting up of a welfare board in the memory of late Maratha leader Annasaheb Jawale, will be considered for discussion.On Congress fielding its candidate for the Baramati assembly bypoll, the minister said the party is bound to face a massive defeat and it will be prudent to ensure an unopposed election."The election taking place after the tragic death of Ajit dada should become unopposed, and Congress should have taken a stand accordingly. It will will be staring at a massive defeat if it does not withdraw from the poll," he said.He also said Congress is emerging as a party with no seriousness on any important issue.