The Maratha reservation issue in Maharashtra is escalating, potentially causing a rift between the Maratha and OBC communities. The recent government decision to provide reservations to Marathas has created controversy. Many OBC leaders have expressed their discontent with the government’s move and warned of large-scale protests. The absence of Chhagan Bhujbal, a key OBC leader, from the cabinet meeting indicates internal disagreement.
Reports suggest that Minister Bhujbal is displeased with the government’s decision. OBC activist Laxman Hake stated that the state government is not authorized to grant Kunbi caste certificates to Marathas and cautioned that the OBC community would protest against the decision. However, BJP MLC Parinay Phuke stated that the government’s decision was made after consulting all cabinet members. OBC leader Prakash Shendge shared that an OBC leaders meeting was held under the leadership of Chhagan Bhujbal where it was decided to oppose the decision across Maharashtra, as it harms the OBC community’s interests. They are demanding that Marathas be given reservations without impacting the existing 50% reservation for OBCs, and they are threatening fierce protests if reservations are granted based on the Hyderabad Gazetteer.
He further said that the government should not give in to Manoj Jarange and reminded that the Maratha community already benefits from various reservations, including SBC, general quota, and EWS, and that their additional demands are illegal and unconstitutional.
Shendge pointed out that when Eknath Shinde was Chief Minister, reservations were given to Marathas without affecting the OBC quota. He also mentioned that Devendra Fadnavis has promised not to harm the OBC community’s existing reservations, urging the government to withdraw the decision and provide the Maratha community with reservations separate from the existing 50% quota. Shendge praised Chhagan Bhujbal and said that he has always raised his voice for the OBC community. He added that Bhujbal’s absence from the cabinet meeting reflects the OBC community’s concerns and is crucial for their voices to be heard.
Manoj Jarange, the activist who ended his hunger strike in Mumbai, is currently under medical care at a private hospital. He attributed the victory to the Maratha community, and said that Maratha people of Marathwada and Western Maharashtra will now receive OBC reservation. Jarange urged his supporters to maintain peace. Upon being questioned about Chhagan Bhujbal’s absence, Jarange referred to him as a shrewd leader, implying that the Maratha community had successfully achieved its objectives.
Previously, Manoj Jarange had led a Maratha reservation agitation at Azad Maidan in South Mumbai. After the government accepted most of his demands, he ended his indefinite hunger strike on Tuesday. CM Devendra Fadnavis mentioned that the government had found a solution in the interest of the Maratha community.
The government agreed to provide Kunbi caste certificates to eligible Marathas, thereby meeting their main demands. This decision led to Jarange ending his protest, allowing them to qualify for the benefits of OBC reservation.