A dispute over Maratha reservations in Maharashtra has ignited tensions, potentially leading to clashes between the Maratha and OBC communities. The recent decision to grant reservation benefits to Marathas in specific regions has drawn strong criticism and resistance. OBC leaders have voiced their disapproval of the government’s move, with some warning of widespread protests. The absence of Chhagan Bhujbal, a significant OBC leader, from a cabinet meeting suggests internal division.
Reports suggest that Minister Bhujbal is unhappy with the government’s resolution. OBC activist Laxman Hake claimed the state government has no authority to provide Kunbi caste certificates to Marathas. He issued a warning of potential protests by the OBC community against the decision. BJP MLC Parinay Phuke, however, stated that the government’s decision was made after consulting all cabinet members. OBC leader Prakash Shendge revealed that a meeting was held under Chhagan Bhujbal’s leadership, where they decided to oppose the decision throughout Maharashtra, citing it as detrimental to the OBC community. They demand that if the Marathas are to receive reservations, it should not encroach on the existing 50% quota designated for OBCs. They also threatened aggressive demonstrations if reservations are granted based on the Hyderabad Gazetteer.
Shendge further added that the government should not yield to Manoj Jarange. He asserted that the Maratha community already benefits from existing quotas like SBC, general category, and EWS, rendering the new demands unwarranted and unconstitutional, a stance previously supported by the Supreme Court.
He emphasized that during Eknath Shinde’s tenure, the Marathas were granted reservations without impacting the OBC quota. He also referenced Devendra Fadnavis’s assurance that OBC reservations would be protected. Shendge urged the government to reverse its decision and provide separate reservation opportunities for the Maratha community. He also commended Chhagan Bhujbal for being the voice of the OBC community. He believes that Bhujbal’s absence from the cabinet meeting reflects the OBC community’s stance and is crucial for their concerns to be heard.
Manoj Jarange, the activist who ended his hunger strike in Mumbai, is currently under medical care in a private hospital. He credited the Maratha community for the victory, stating that the Maratha community in Marathwada and Western Maharashtra will now be eligible for OBC reservations. Jarange urged his supporters to remain peaceful. When asked about Chhagan Bhujbal’s absence, Jarange considered him a clever leader, implying that the Maratha community’s goals had been achieved.
Manoj Jarange had previously led a Maratha reservation movement at Azad Maidan in South Mumbai. After the government accepted most of his demands, he ended his hunger strike on Tuesday. CM Devendra Fadnavis mentioned that the government had devised a resolution favorable to the Maratha community.
The government agreed to issue Kunbi caste certificates to eligible Marathas, addressing the majority of their demands. This action led to Jarange concluding his protest, thereby allowing Marathas to qualify for OBC reservation advantages.