Tensions are rising in Maharashtra regarding the Maratha reservation issue, potentially leading to conflict between the Maratha and Other Backward Classes (OBC) communities. The decision by the government to grant reservation benefits to Maratha individuals in the Marathwada and Western Maharashtra regions has sparked controversy. OBC leaders have expressed strong opposition to the decision, with some threatening large-scale protests. Minister Chhagan Bhujbal, a prominent OBC figure, did not attend the cabinet meeting, signaling potential internal discord.
OBC activist Laxman Hake asserted that the state government lacks the authority to issue Kunbi caste certificates to Marathas and warned of OBC community protests. BJP MLC Parinay Phuke maintained that the government’s decision was made after consulting all cabinet members. Prakash Shendge, an OBC leader, stated that a meeting of OBC leaders, led by Chhagan Bhujbal, was held to discuss their opposition to the decision. They plan to protest across Maharashtra, arguing that the Maratha reservation should not infringe upon the existing 50% reservation for OBCs. They have also warned of intense protests if the government grants reservations based on the Hyderabad Gazetteer. Shendge emphasized that the Maratha community already benefits from various existing reservation categories and that the additional demands are illegal and unconstitutional.
Shendge highlighted that while the Maratha community was granted reservations during the tenure of former Chief Minister Eknath Shinde without affecting OBC reservations, the current government has also promised to protect OBC reservations. He urged the government to reconsider the decision and provide the Maratha community with reservations outside the existing 50% quota. Shendge praised Chhagan Bhujbal for consistently advocating for the OBC community. He mentioned that Bhujbal’s absence from the cabinet meeting against the Maratha reservation reflects the OBC community’s concerns. He also added that Bhujbal’s presence in the government is important because his presence ensures that the OBC community’s voices are heard.
Activist Manoj Jarange, who recently ended his hunger strike in Mumbai, is under medical supervision in a private hospital. He attributes the victory to the Maratha community and said that they have won. He also appealed to his supporters to maintain peace. Jarange stated that Chhagan Bhujbal’s absence from the cabinet meeting shows that the Maratha community has succeeded in getting reservation.
Previously, Manoj Jarange led a Maratha reservation protest at Azad Maidan in South Mumbai. After the government accepted most of his demands, he ended his indefinite hunger strike on Tuesday. The government agreed to issue Kunbi caste certificates to eligible Marathas, paving the way for their inclusion in OBC reservation benefits.