Raj Thackeray Calls for Local Job Reservations in Maharashtra

Solapur: In a bid to galvanize support ahead of the upcoming state Assembly elections, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) President Raj Thackeray criticized the ongoing caste controversy and emphasized the need for job opportunities for local youth. During a pre-poll tour on Monday, Thackeray revived the MNS's 'sons-of-the-soil' agenda, asserting that employment should be accessible to locals without caste considerations. He expressed concern that local youth are being deprived of educational and job opportunities in favor of outsiders. Thackeray argued that there should be no need for quotas in Maharashtra if employment resources were managed effectively. He pointed out that the state has ample job opportunities that could meet local needs, but many residents remain unaware of them. He lamented that significant resources are allocated to outsiders, while local youth struggle to find work. Thackeray called for 100 percent job reservations for Maharashtra's residents, highlighting the disparity in access to education and employment. Addressing the ongoing caste disputes, Thackeray criticized those who exploit caste issues for political gain, suggesting that they distract from more pressing concerns. He indicated that the MNS plans to contest between 225 to 250 of the 288 Assembly seats, hinting at a potential solo run in the elections. Regarding alliances, Thackeray clarified that his support for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would only extend to the Lok Sabha elections in 2024, not the forthcoming Assembly polls.