Political Clash in Maharashtra Over Muslim Quota Demand

Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole refuted Union Home Minister Amit Shah's claim that the party agreed to the Ulema Council's demand for a 10% quota for Muslims in jobs and education. Shah criticized the quota's potential to affect existing reservations while Patole dismissed it as a diversion from core electoral issues.

A new political storm has erupted in Maharashtra, as Congress chief Nana Patole dismisses Union Home Minister Amit Shah's claims regarding the party's acceptance of a proposed 10% quota for Muslims.

Speaking at a rally in Malkapur, Shah accused the opposition of agreeing to the Ulema Council's demands, alleging that such a move would jeopardize existing reservations for SCs, STs, and OBCs.

Patole, in a statement from Mumbai, rejected these assertions, denouncing them as an electoral ploy and reaffirming their focus on key issues rather than religious narratives ahead of the state polls.

(With inputs from agencies.)