Nashik: State revenue minister Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil on Saturday evening said NCP supremo Sharad Pawar should make his stand on Maratha reservation clear.Vikhe-Patil, who was in Nashik city, said Pawar has not even once tried to make his stand on the issue clear. He added that people doubt the NCP chiefs intentions and this leads to confusion among the masses.While speaking on the issue, Sharad Pawar has always said the sentiments of the community are running high. But what is his stand on the issue? He should declare whether he wants the reservation or not, or if he supports Maratha reservation under the OBC category, said Vikhe-Patil.He said people are confused over Pawars double-standards, and he should immediately clear the air.Vikhe-Patil also criticized his cabinet colleague food and civil supply minister Chhagan Bhujbal for his statement that the Maratha community should not be given reservation under the OBC category.When the chief minister and the government have made it clear many times that the reservation to the Maratha community will not be given from the share of any other community, senior colleagues like Bhujbal should not have raised the issue at all, he said.The minister added that it was unfortunate that for the first time in the history of the state, there is a deepening rift between the two communities. He said all politicians, especially the ministers, should stop themselves from making such statements. Politicians and the ministers should stop trying to earn political scores over each other. They should instead help the government take decisions in the interest of all communities, said Vikhe-Patil.The minister said while the government will take a call on the Maratha reservation issue by January 2, there is a winter session also approaching, and the government will explore more options during that period.Vikhe-Patil defended deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis — who also holds charge of the home portfolio — refuting the allegations about the police being biased. Both the groups are accusing the police of being biased. This is untrue. The police are taking action based on facts and the home minister is effectively handling the situation, he added.We also published the following articles recentlyVikhe Patil sugar mill objects to water for Jayakwadi damThe management of a sugar factory in Ahmednagar has filed a petition in the Supreme Court objecting to the release of water from dams to another district. They claim that the order to release water was issued before a report on the matter was filed. They have requested relief from releasing water downstream due to drought-like conditions. The release of water could have a significant impact on water availability in Nashik and Ahmednagar. A similar petition has been filed by another individual. The Supreme Court will hear the matter on November 21.Chhagan Bhujbal fuelling tension between Marathas and OBCs, says JarangeMaratha activist Manoj Jarange has called on the state government to monitor the actions of minister Chhagan Bhujbal, accusing him of trying to incite tension between the Marathas and the OBC community. Jarange also claimed that Bhujbal wants to become the chief minister of Maharashtra and that if he does, the Marathas will not receive reservation. Jarange further stated that the Marathas do not want separate reservation and accused Bhujbal of trying to create conflict between the OBCs and Marathas for political gain.Former Maharashtra minister Jayant Patil diagnosed with dengueFormer Maharashtra minister and NCP leader Jayant Patil has announced on social media that he has been diagnosed with dengue and has been advised to rest. He decided to get tested for dengue after experiencing fever since Monday. Patil, who is the state president of the NCP faction led by Sharad Pawar, stated that he would resume his activities after a few days of rest. This comes after deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar also tested positive for dengue recently.

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